cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in the prescribing of antidepressant pharmacotherapy: office-based visits, 1990–1995

Abstract Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for the period 1990 through 1995 were used to discern the population-adjusted rate of office-based physician-patient encounters at which the prescribing or continuation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy (tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors [SSRIs], or others), a diagnosis of depression ( International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes 296.2 through 296.36, 300.4, or 311), or both were documented. National estimates of the number of office-based visits resulting in a prescription for or continuation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for any purpose escalated from 16,534,268 in 1990 to 28,664,796 in 1995, a 73.4% increase. Although the number of office-based visits at which a diagnosis of depression was documented increased 23.2% during this period, the proportion of patients with a diagnosis of depression who were prescribed or continued antidepressant pharmacotherapy increased only 14.9%, from 52.1% in 1990 to 67.0% in 1995. Among patients with a diagnosis of depression, use of a TCA declined from 42.1% in 1990 to 24.9% in 1995. In contrast, use of an SSRI for the treatment of depression increased from 37.1% in 1990 to 64.6% in 1995. The rate of office-based visits at which the use of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for any purpose was documented increased from 6.7 per 100 US population in 1990 to 10.9 in 1995, a 62.7% increase; documentation of a diagnosis of depression increased from 6.1 per 100 US population in 1990 to 7.1 in 1995, a 16.4% increase; and the recording of a diagnosis of depression in concert with the prescribing or continuation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy increased from 3.2 per 100 US population in 1990 to 4.8 in 1995, a 50.0% increase. Further research is required to elucidate the effect of observed trends on clinical and financial outcomes.
House officer stress syndrome

Abstract The author describes a stress response syndrome prevalent among physicians in training, the house officer stress syndrome. Episodic cognitive impairment, chronic anger, pervasive cynicism, and family discord occur in nearly all cases, usually in a benign form. Severely affected house officers, however, may also suffer from major depression, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. Possible contributing stresses include sleep deprivation, excessive work load, patient care responsibility, perpetually changing work conditions, and competition. Approaches to prevention and management of the malignant form of the syn drome include improved work conditions, increased group responsibility, and psychiatric referral.
Geometric searching with spacefilling curves

Data searching is locating a desired subset of data items in a collection of data. Geometric searching problems are a class of problems where the data items and search conditions are geometric objects (such as points, lines, regions, or networks), and are fundamental problems in spatial decision support systems. Traditional data structures organize data for efficient (and dynamic) one--dimensional searching, but generally do not extend gracefully to multidimensional geometric problems. Spacefilling curves are mathematical tools with two inviting properties for geometric searching: the curves organize data in multidimensional space, and collapse the organization to a single dimension. Thus spacefilling curves equip traditional data structures with multidimensional search capabilities. We develop a framework for geometric searching with spacefilling curves, unifying results from the fields of operations research, computational geometry, and computer science. We introduce the Sierpinski spacefilling curve and an elegant searching algorithm for searching a database of geometric objects, offering a simple geometric searching approach with good clustering properties. We analyze the performance of geometric searching with spacefilling curves for planar and higher--dimensional orthogonal range searching, planar circular region searching, and planar polygon searching. We also show search work is proportional to the size of planar query objects, and analyze the number of spacefilling curve clusters intersecting orthogonal range queries. We provide a probabilistic analysis for planar orthogonal range searching, establishing a relationship between curve clusters and search precision. We parameterize the searching algorithm, adapting the search strategy to query object properties and computer storage environments.
Implementing the new commission on cancer standard on palliative care services.

O ncology nurses know that improving quality of life is essential for patients with cancer. Optimizing quality of life requires excellence in symptom management, such as relief from physical symptoms (e.g., pain), as well as addressing the psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Improving quality of life and relieving suffering are priorities across the disease spectrum from diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care to bereavement support for families. Interdisciplinary teams are needed to address the multiple dimensions of physical, psychological, and spiritual care. Nurses are integral members of cancer care teams, and their inclusion in the new accreditation standards for cancer centers highlights the contributions of the profession and the specialties of oncology nursing and palliative care. Different approaches to implementing the new standard for palliative care services are described in the next two articles. Each article explores the roles of oncology nurses and advanced practice nurses (APRNs) on palliative care teams. The articles describe how oncology nurses, by virtue of their education and clinical expertise, need to be involved in the Commission on Cancer (CoC) standard implementation regarding palliative care across hospital and community settings.
Mutational analysis of a monoterpene synthase reaction: altered catalysis through directed mutagenesis of (-)-pinene synthase from Abies grandis.

Abstract Two monoterpene synthases, (−)-pinene synthase and (−)-camphene synthase, from grand fir ( Abies grandis ) produce different product mixtures despite having highly homologous amino acid sequences and, presumably, very similar three-dimensional structures. The major product of (−)-camphene synthase, (−)-camphene, and the major products of (−)-pinene synthase, (−)-α-pinene, and (−)-β-pinene, arise through distinct mechanistic variations of the electrophilic reaction cascade that is common to terpenoid synthases. Structural modeling followed by directed mutagenesis in (−)-pinene synthase was used to replace selected amino acid residues with the corresponding residues from (−)-camphene synthase in an effort to identify the amino acids responsible for the catalytic differences. This approach produced an enzyme in which more than half of the product was channeled through an alternative pathway. It was also shown that several (−)-pinene synthase to (−)-camphene synthase amino acid substitutions were necessary before catalysis was significantly altered. The data support a model in which the collective action of many key amino acids, located both in and distant from the active site pocket, regulate the course of the electrophilic reaction cascade.
Estrogen-induced osteoid formation in the osteon of mature female rabbits. An electron-microscopic study.

The osteons of mature female rabbits injected with estradiol valerate, parathyroid extract, or a combination of both were studied. Two, 1 mg injections of estradiol valerate (Delestrogen®) given in a one week period stimulated osteoid production on the inside of the lacunar borders of osteocytes but had little effect on osteoid production along the perimeter of the Haversian canal. Parathyroid hormone induced osteolysis after two weeks of treatments, with little apparent increase in osteoclast numbers. Parathyroid extract treatment for one week followed by estradiol valerate treatment in combination with parathyroid extract treatment the second week induced osteoid formation along both lacunar borders and Haversian canal perimeters. This evidence shows that estrogen can stimulate osteoid production and is not limited to inhibition of bone resorption. Increased osteoid production along the perimeter of the Haversian canal in dual-treated rabbits implies an interaction between estrogen and parathyroid hormone.
A model of ablation-dominated medial moraines and the generation of debris-mantled glacier snouts

Medial moraines form striking dark stripes that widen non-linearly, steepen laterally and increase in relief down-glacier from the equilibrium line. Coalescence of these low-ablation-rate features can feed back strongly on the mass balance of a glacier snout. Ablation-dominated medial moraines originate from debris delivered to glacier margins, producing a debris-rich septum between tributary streams of ice below their confluence. Emergence of this ice below the equilibrium line delivers debris to the glacier surface, which then moves down local slopes of evolving morainal topography. A quantitative description of moraine evolution requires specification of the debris concentration field within the glacier, treatment of the melt-rate dependence on debris thickness, and characterization of processes that transport debris once it emerges onto the ice surface. Debris concentration at glacier tributary junctions scales with the erosion rates and the lengths of the tributary-valley walls, and inversely with the tributary ice speeds. Melt rate is damped exponentially by debris, with a ∼10 cm decay scale. Debris flux across the glacier surface scales with the product of debris thickness and local slope. Analytical and numerical results show that medial moraines should develop cross-glacier profiles with parabolic crests and linear slopes, and should widen with age and hence distance down-glacier. Debris should be both thin and uniform over the moraine. Observed faster-than-linear growth of moraine widths with distance reflects the increasing ablation rate down-glacier. Increase in medial moraine cover reduces the local average ablation rate, allowing the glacier to extend further down-valley than meteorology alone would suggest. This feedback is especially effective when moraines merge.
Organizational Transformation During Institutional Upheaval

Organizational transformation in the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe is qualitatively different from that observed in the West because of concomitant upheaval in the institutional context. Drawing on organizational change theory, organizational learning theory, and institutional theory, I suggest an inverted U-shaped relationship between institution-level change and transformative organizational change. By integrating three theoretical perspectives in the conceptual framework of this article, I more fully explain organizational transformation in a variety of institutional contexts.
The Narrow View of Reading Promotes a Broad View of Comprehension

Purpose This article is a response to A. G. Kamhi’s proposal of the narrow view of reading. Method A descriptive approach is used to review research concerning the cognitive basis of reading compre...
Reducing waste in casting with a predictive neural model

This paper describes an interactive neural network model that predicts the quality of cast ceramic products using multiple quantitative and qualitative inputs. This has been done to enable a major sanitary ware manufacturer to reduce product waste by better control of the slip casting process. The input variables describe the raw materials, ambient conditions and line settings for the ceramic casting process. The neural network predictive model assigns one of seven quality categories to the cast based on the input data. This prediction is used by the quality control engineer to make a priori adjustments to materials and line settings so that a good quality cast is produced without trial and error. The neural model can also be used to determine optimum settings of each adjustable input variable in the light of values of non-adjustable input variables.
International Best Practices in Career Development: Review of the Literature

This paper presents a review of the literature to identify exemplary international career planning programs. Following the National Career Development Guidelines as a guide, a framework was created to organize the research: Content, process, and infrastructure. This review of the literature supports the general tenets of career development – that self-knowledge and career exploration, and an interactive and integrated method of delivery, are key to sound career decision-making. The focus of the international community indicates increasing interest of the world on career guidance services, and commonalities among countries differing along many cultural, social, and economic lines.
Gene-specific alterations of hepatic gene expression by ligand activation or hepatocyte-selective inhibition of retinoid X receptor-α signalling during inflammation

Background Inflammation leads to transcriptional downregulation of many hepatic genes, particulary those activated by retinoid X receptor-α (RXRα) heterodimers. Inflammation-mediated reduction of nuclear RXRα levels is a main factor in reduced nuclear receptor (NR)-regulated hepatic gene expression, eventually leading to cholestasis and liver damage. Aim To investigate roles for RXRα in hepatic gene expression during inflammation, using two complementary mouse models: ligand activation of RXRα, and in mice expressing hepatocyte-specific expression of RXRα missing its DNA-binding domain (DBD; hs-RxrαΔex4−/−). Methods To activate RXRα, mice were gavage-fed with LG268 or vehicle for 5 days. To inhibit RXRα function, hs-RxrαΔex4−/− mice were used. All mice were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or saline for 16 h prior to analysis of hepatic RNA, protein and NR–DNA binding. Results LG268 treatment attenuated the LPS-mediated reductions of several RXRα-regulated genes, coinciding with maintained RXRα occupancy in both Bsep and Ostβ promoters. Lacking full hepatocyte RXRα function (hs-RxrαΔex4−/− mice) led to enhancement of LPS-mediated changes in gene expression, but surprisingly, maintenance of RNA levels of some RXRα-regulated genes. Investigations revealed that hs-RxrαΔex4−/− hepatocytes expressed an internally truncated, approximately 44 kDa, RXRα-form. DNA-binding capacity of NR heterodimers was equivalent in wild-type and hs-RxrαΔex4−/− livers, but reduced by LPS in both. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR revealed that RXRα occupancy to the Bsep RXRα:Farnesoid X Receptor site was reduced, but not absent, in hs-RxrαΔex4−/− livers. Conclusions There are differential regulatory roles for hepatic RXRα, both in basal and inflammatory states, suggesting new and complex multidomain roles for RXRα in regulating hepatic gene expression. Moreover, there is an unexpected non-obligate role for the DBD of RXRα.
Evidence for the Role of Calcium and Diacylglycerol as Dual Second Messengers in Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Action: Involvement of Diacylglycerol*

The studies reported here were directed toward establishing the mechanism by which TRH acutely stimulates PRL secretion in GH3 pituitary cells. Studies of TRH stimulation of PRL secretion were conducted on a time scale which enables comparison with other reported rapid effects of TRH on GH3 cells. TRH stimulation of secretion was found to be extremely rapid in onset (≤ 10 sec) and biphasic (phase I, 0–2 min; phase II, 5–60 min). The earliest (phase I) secretory response was observed to be independent of medium Ca+2 concentration or Ca+2 influx, but to be dependent on an intracellular Ca+2 pool. The phase II response to TRH was found to depend, in part, on medium Ca+2. The phase I response to TRH could be mimicked only by agents known to influence Ca+2 translocation in GH3 cells (60 mm K+, A23187, ionomycin, carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone). These agents failed to promote sustained PRL release characteristic of phase II. It is concluded that ...
An Alu -mediated deletion at Xp11.23 leading to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, eczema and immunodeficiency of varying severity. The WASP gene, mutations of which are responsible for the phenotype, maps to Xp11.23. We describe here a patient with a large deletion in the Xp11.23 region. The deletion, which totals 15.8 kb, begins downstream of DXS1696 and encompasses 13 kb upstream of WASP and includes the distal and proximal promoters and exons 1–6. Analysis of the 5′-boundary region identified sequences missing in the Human Genome database and, as a result, the normal DNA sequence was revised to include 743 bp of novel sequence (AF466616). The patient's upstream breakpoint was localized to an AluSg element within a highly repetitive DNA region containing other Alu elements. A 26-bp recombinogenic element is located downstream of the 5′ breakpoint. A 16-bp sequence just upstream of the 5′ breakpoint shares close homology with the sequence that spans the 3′ breakpoint in intron 6. A heptanucleotide of unknown origin, CAGGGGG, links the 5′ and 3′ breakpoints. To our knowledge this is the largest deletion in a WAS patient.
Effect of Angle and Separation Distance on Heat Transfer on an Inclined Surface Subject to Airflow

Impinging jets may be used to achieve enhanced local heat transfer for convective heating, cooling, or drying. The issuing jet may contact the surface normally or obliquely. Factors such as jet attachment, surface angle, jet angle, separation distance between jet orifice and surface of impingement, and trajectory influence heat transfer dramatically. This study addresses the thermal problem of jet impingement on an inclined surface. This investigation is motivated by the practical application of air jets issuing out of a defroster’s nozzles and impinging on the inclined windshield surface of a vehicle. Effect of incoming fluid velocity, angle that the inclined surface makes with the horizontal plane and angle of impinging jet on heat transfer will be examined. The results are correlated in terms of governing dimensionless parameters. The end-result will be a numerically-based correlation that is capable of predicting heat transfer on an inclined surface subject to impinging airflow.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Quantitative Study Of Single Molecule Localization Techniques

Among the various techniques by which the locations of single molecules can be estimated from microscopy images, the question arises as to which produces the most accurate results. The accuracy of an estimation technique is measured by the standard deviation of its estimates. The estimated location of a single molecule can deviate from its true location because of the stochastic nature of the photon emission/detection process, extraneous additive noise, and pixelation. Here we examine the estimates from the maximum likelihood and the non-linear least squares estimators when fitting Airy and Gaussian profiles to single molecule images. We see that on average both estimators recover the true location of the single molecule. Comparing the standard deviations of the estimates from both estimators, the maximum likelihood estimator appears to be generally more accurate. Since the accuracy of estimation techniques varies, it is important to know the best possible accuracy that can be achieved for a given set of imaging conditions. We have previously developed a method by which this can be determined (1). We find that the accuracy of the maximum likelihood estimator is typically close to the best possible accuracy. We also observe that localization accuracy is dependent on the specific image profile used to fit the data. Gaussian profiles are often used to fit single molecule images even though the image of an in-focus point source may be modeled more accurately by an Airy profile in many cases. We explore the effect on localization accuracies of performing estimations with such a model mismatch.1. Ober, R.J., Ram, S., Ward, E.S. (2004) Biophys. J. 86, 1185-1200.
Graph coarsening for path finding in cybersecurity graphs

A network hacking attack in which hackers repeatedly steal password hashes and move through a computer network with the goal of reaching a computer with high level administrative privileges is known as a pass-the-hash attack. In this paper we apply graph coarsening on graphs obtained from computer network data for the purpose of (a) detecting hackers using this attack and (b) assessing the risk level of the network's current state. We repeatedly contract edges (obtaining a graph minor), which preserves the existence of paths in the graph, and take powers of the adjacency matrix to count the paths. This allows us to detect the existence of paths as well as find paths that have high risk of being exploited by adversaries.
A distinct class of avalanche scars on Mars

We report observations of a set of surface features on Mars that form a distinct class of avalanche scars. These features have a horizontal scale of hundreds of meters, but a depth scale of meters distinguishes them from the shallower features known as slope streaks. The meters-thick avalanche scars have escaped previous attention because of weak contrast between the interiors of the scarred regions and their surroundings. Often the most visible feature is a shadow cast by the trough wall, a band 1–3 pixels wide in Mars Orbiter Camera narrow angle images, indicating maximum depths of 4–10 m. We investigate the morphology of more than 500 such features. Slopes upon which the avalanches occur average about 27°. Impact craters are seen at the heads of some avalanche scars; this subset exhibits statistically wider opening angles. The scars span an estimated several Ma in age. Those found so far occurred mainly in the Olympus Mons lower aureole. We compare shapes of slope streaks to shapes of meters-thick avalanches, and the results support the notion that the two classes are distinct. The newly-discovered avalanches resemble some terrestrial flows of loose, dry material such as dry snow and glass beads. On the basis of these analogs, we suggest a physical model.
Culture and individual differences

Tests of economic theory often focus on choice outcomes and find significant individual differences in these outcomes. This variability may mask universal psychological processes that lead to different choices because of differences across cultures in the information people have available when making decisions. On this view, decision making research within and across cultures must focus on the processes underlying choice.
Dual enzyme amperometric biosensor for putrescine with interference suppression

A putrescine biosensor has been developed. Putrescine oxidase, peroxidase, and bovine serum albumin were cross-linked directly on the surface of a graphite electrode by glutaraldehyde. The sensor was used to determine putrescine at 0 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode) in a potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) solution containing 4 mM dopamine (3-hydroxytyramine). The response of putrescine was linear up to 600 μM with a standard deviation of 2.8%. The detection limit was 5 μM. The response time was around 30 s. The lifetime was over 30 days when the electrode was used every day. The interferences of cadaverine and spermidine could be eliminated by added dopamine which, apparently, inhibits the enzymatic conversion of these substrates more strongly than that of putrescine.
Ras-Independent Activation of ERK Signaling via the Torso Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Is Mediated by Rap1

Abstract In Drosophila embryos, the Torso receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activates the small G protein Ras (D-Ras1) and the protein kinase Raf (D-Raf) to activate ERK to direct differentiation of terminal structures [1]. However, genetic studies have demonstrated that Torso, and by extension other RTKs, can activate Raf and ERK independently of Ras [2]. In mammalian cells, the small G protein Rap1 has been proposed to couple RTKs to ERKs. However, the ability of Rap1 to activate ERKs remains controversial, in part because direct genetic evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. Here, we present biochemical and genetic evidence that D-Rap1, the Drosophila homolog of Rap1, can activate D-Raf and ERK. We show that D-Rap1 binds D-Raf and activates ERKs in a GTP- and D-Raf-dependent manner. Targeted disruption of D-Rap1 expression decreased both Torso-dependent ERK activation and the ERK-dependent expression of the zygotic genes tailless and huckebein to levels similar to those achieved in D-Ras1 null embryos. Furthermore, combined deficiencies of D-Ras1 and D-Rap1 completely abolished expression of these genes, mimicking the phenotype observed in embryos lacking D-Raf . These studies provide the first direct genetic evidence of Rap1-mediated activation of the MAP kinase cascade in eukaryotic organisms.
The Tenacious Travels of the Torrid Zone and the Global Dimensions of Geographical Knowledge in the Eighteenth Century

AbstractThis article sets out to explore the longevity and tenacity of the torrid zone as an explanatory mechanism for describing the cultural characteristics of those populations living between the tropics during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. By examining a series of colonizing missions and scientific expeditions to the New World, it argues that long before the iconic voyage of Alexander von Humboldt, which is thought to inaugurate a modern conception of the tropics, European travelers and natural philosophers were molding earlier geographical theories in ways that extended the life of certain pejorative stereotypes about non-European peoples. As such, it represents an important example of how geographical knowledge traveled across imperial lines and, more importantly, challenges scholars to use more expansive temporal ranges that normally separate the pre-European history of the Americas from its post-conquest phase.
Architectural choices in LOCKSS networks

Purpose – The LOCKSS digital preservation technology collects, preserves and disseminates content in peer-to-peer networks. Many such networks are in use. The Global LOCKSS Network (GLN) is an open network with many nodes in which libraries preserve academic journals and books that they purchase. The CLOCKSS network is a closed network, managed by a non-profit consortium of publishers and libraries to form a dark archive of e-journal content. There are also many Private LOCKSS Networks (PLNs) preserving various genres of content. Each of these networks is configured to meet the specific requirements of its community and the content it preserves. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes these architectural choices and discusses a development that could enable other configurations. Findings – Third-party rights databases would allow hosted LOCKSS networks. Practical implications – Hosted LOCKSS networks would be cheaper. Originality/value – Reducing cost o...
Alphavirus entry: NRAMP leads the way.

The identity of the receptors that mediate alphavirus entry into host cells has been elusive. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Rose et al. (2011) use a Drosophila RNAi screen to identify NRAMP, an iron transporter with 12 transmembrane domains, as a receptor for Sindbis virus in both insect and mammalian cells.
Immediate and delayed learning

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Comparison of clinical effects and pharmacokinetics of once-daily Uniphyl and twice-daily Theo-Dur in asthmatic patients.

A pharmacokinetic study using theophylline syrup in adult asthmatic patients demonstrated a mean apparent volume of distribution of 0.38 liters/kg, mean elimination rate constant of 0.10 hours-1, and variable rates of clearance of theophylline (total body clearance of 0.38 to 0.96 ml/kg per minute). Subsequently, the asthmatic patients were compared using a cross-over design after maintenance Uniphyl (once daily at 8 a.m. or at 8 p.m.) and Theo-Dur (twice daily at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.). Total daily maintenance theophylline dosage, calculated from the pharmacokinetic data, was identical in all three cross-over phases. At the end of each phase, plasma theophylline levels were measured every two hours and spirometric determinations were made every four hours (excluding 4 a.m.) for 24 hours. The following results were observed: highest peak and mean plasma theophylline concentration and area under the concentration-time curves with evening Uniphyl (p less than 0.05); prolonged time-to-peak theophylline concentration after nocturnal compared with daytime dosing; diurnal variation in pulmonary function and plasma theophylline concentrations; no significant differences between the three maintenance treatments in asthmatic symptoms or spirometric results.
Knowledge and Competitive Advantage: The Coevolution of Firms, Technology, and National Institutions

This issue of JIBS offers reviews of two books that analyse the dynamic interaction between the business environments and business strategies in very different ways. The institutional underpinnings for business strategies are a major research topic for comparative management, aiming to explain why in different contexts firms pursue different strategies, and with different implications for performance. J Peter Murman in ‘Knowledge and Competitive Advantage’ takes a historical perspective focusing on the co-evolutionary processes between national innovation systems, business strategies, and performance. This books thus adds to the industry-level longitudinal research reviewed in JIBS no. 4/2003, Tom Murtha et al.'s ‘Managing New Industry Creation’ and David McKendrick et al.'s ‘From Silicon Valley to Singapore’.
Purification and properties of a highly active ouabain-sensitive Na+, K+-dependent adenosinetriphosphatase from cardiac tissue.

Abstract A highly active and specific Na + , K + -dependent ATPase was obtained from calf-heart muscle by succesive treatments with deoxycholate and NaI. General properties of the enzyme were studied. Simultaneous addition of Na + and K + increased the activity about 20 times above the basic Mg 2+ -dependent level. The activation was completely reversed by 10 −4 M ouabain. The optimal pH was 7.2; the K m for ATP for the Na + ,K + -dependent and Mg 2+ -dependent enzyme activities were 2.4·10 −4 M and 5.0·10 −5 M, respectively. Only CTP could be substituted for ATP, but the activity was 14% of that found with ATP. Azide and histone, which affected the crude ATPase system, had no effect on the purified enzyme. p -Chloromercuribenzoate, N -ethylmaleimide, oligomycin, tributyltin chloride, octylguanidine as well as ouabain were found to inhibit the Na + , K + -dependent component while having little or no effect on the basic Mg 2+ -dependent activity. The K i 's were 5·10 −6 M, 6·10 −4 M, 7·10 −6 M, 1.5·10 −5 M, 3·10 −4 M and 10 −6 M, respectively.
Understanding the variables of dielectric constant for PCB materials used at microwave frequencies

PCB (Printed Circuit Board) materials are used extensively in the microwave industry. Understanding the details of electrical properties for these materials can improve the designer's models and circuit performance. The e r (relative permittivity or dielectric constant) for PCB laminates is often assumed to be a fixed value; however there are times this can be wrong and be a costly assumption. An e r value of a laminate can vary with thickness or with the type of copper used. Some laminates can have issues with a higher or lower dielectric dispersion, which can cause the value to vary with frequency. Many designers are aware of the potential for PCB laminates to have anisotropic e r values, which is often assumed to be attributed to the glass fiber reinforcement layer/s, however some PCB materials with no glass reinforcement are highly anisotropic. The details of the variables associated with e r in many microwave PCB materials will be discussed and its supporting data will be given. The most common test methods which are used to characterize e r of these materials will be examined along with their capabilities and limits. Finally guidance will be given for improved use of e r values regarding common microwave PCB materials, which will enable the designer to have increased accuracy in models and circuit performance.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) to Tone-Pips: Results in Normal and Hearing-Impaired Subjects

We evaluated predictive accuracy of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to tone-pip and click signals in normal and hearing-impaired subjects. Prediction of hearing sensitivity based on threshold of the ABR to tone-pips of 500 and 2 000 Hz to clicks was compared to the behavioral results obtained by conventional pure-tone audiometry. Results showed that error in prediction was greatest for the 500 Hz tone-pip and least for the click. In addition, predictive error for the 500 Hz tone-pip varied with the contour of the pure-tone audiogram. In general, greatest predictive error was observed in subjects with steeply sloping audiograms.
Problem Solving by Heterogeneous Agents

A substantial amount of economic activity involves problem solving, yet economics has few, if any, formal models to address how agents of limited abilities find good solutions to difficult problems. In this paper, we construct a model of heterogeneous agents of bounded abilities and analyze their individual and collective performance. By heterogeneity, we mean differences in how individuals represent problems internally, their perspectives, and in the algorithms they use to generate solutions, their heuristics. We find that while a collection of bounded but diverse agents can locate optimal solutions to difficult problems, problem solving firms can exhibit arbitrary marginal returns to problem solvers and that the order that problem solvers are applied to a problem can matter, so that the standard story of decreasing returns to scale may not apply to problem solving firms. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C6, D2.
Protection by Trimipramine Against Gastric Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction Induced by Ethanol + HCl in Rats

The effects of trimipramine (5 mg · kg−1·h−1 intravenously) on the changes in gastric mucosal function evoked by 20% ethanol + HCl has been studied in rats. The magnitude of the changes in potential difference, ionic fluxes (H+, Na+, and K+), and mucosal lesion score induced by ethanol + HCl were significantly less in animals treated with trimipramine than in control animals. It is concluded that trimipramine decreases the gastric mucosal damage produced by ethanol + HCl in rats. This activity may be responsible, at least in part, for the beneficial effect of trimipramine treatment in peptic ulcer disease.
Effects of whole blood flow rates on mononuclear cell yields during peripheral blood stem cell collection using Fenwal CS 3000 Plus.

It is generally assumed that using high whole blood flow rates (WBFR), 80 ml/min, during peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection on the Fenwal CS 3000 Plus blood cell processor will result in higher yields of mononuclear cells (MNC) than using lower WBFR (50 ml/min). To test this assumption, we retrospectively studied 129 PBSC procedures on 17 patients in a multiple myeloma protocol comparing MNC yield, as well as red blood cell (RBC), granulocyte, and platelet (Plt) content, of four average WBFR groups. Standard PBSC procedures were performed using modified procedure 1, interface offset 100, anticoagulant (AC) ratio of 11:1, small volume collection chamber, and a processing time of 4 hours. After correcting for AC volume used, the volume processed was divided by 240 minutes to obtain the average WBFR. WBFRs were separated into 4 groups of 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 ml/min. When compared to the highest flow rate group (70-79 ml/min), the three lower flow rate groups had significantly higher MNC yields of 16.2 ± 6.9, 13.1 ± 5.1, and 11.5 ± 4.7 × 10 9 , respectively, as compared to 8.9 ± 6.1 × 10 9 MNC for the 70-79 ml/min group. There was no significant difference in granulocyte yield which ranged from 1.6 ± 2.1 to 4.5 ± 4.8 × 10 9 . There were also significantly more RBC in the 70-79 ml/min group with 21.1 ± 2.2 ml than all three other groups with 16.2 ± 4.3, 16.6 ± 4.0, and 17.9 ± 4.2 ml, respectively, but high average WBFR collected significantly less platelets (0.6 ± 0.7 × 10 11 versus 1.9 ± 1.0, 1.5 ± 0.9, and 1,2 ± 0.9, respectively). Incidence of citrate reactions increased as flow rates increased, 6%, 18%, 30%, and 33%, respectively. We conclude that using a lower average WBFR during PBSC collection actually produced significantly more MNC, with equivalent granulocytes, less RBC, but more platelets than the high average WBFR
Loss of MMP-2 in murine osteoblasts upregulates osteopontin and bone sialoprotein expression in a circuit regulating bone homeostasis

Multicentric osteolysis with arthropathy (MOA; MIM 605156) is an inherited osteolyses and arthritis syndrome resulting from loss of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). We recently demonstrated that Mmp2(-/-) mice represent a unique model for the study of the human disease, sharing many features of the human syndrome including skeletal dysplasia and defects in osteoblast behavior. We therefore sought to explore the secondary molecular effects of MMP-2 loss, which coexist with the underlying skeletal and osteoblast phenotypes. We used quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure osteoblast-related gene expression through ex vivo osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) from Mmp2(-/-) and Mmp2(+/+) mice. We used western blot to measure osteopontin (OPN) serum levels and immunohistochemical staining to examine bone expression. MMP-2 expression was inhibited in SaOS2 cells using siRNA, and decreased MMP-2 expression at both RNA and protein levels was confirmed by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Mmp2(-/-) BMSC induced to differentiate into osteoblasts were shown to significantly upregulate OPN and bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression levels compared with controls. Transcriptional upregulation was maintained in vivo, as demonstrated by increased levels of OPN in serum and bone in Mmp2(-/-) mice. These effects are generalizable because siRNA-mediated inhibition in cultured cells also upregulated OPN and BSP. OPN and BSP are known to affect MMP-2 expression and activity but have not previously been shown to be regulated by MMP-2. Identification of this newly defined circuitry provides insight into the potential molecular landscape underlying the MOA phenotype and highlights a pathway that might play a role in normal bone homeostasis.
Relation Between Blood Flow and Contraction Force in Active Skeletal Muscle

The relationships between blood flow and contraction force in intermittently contracting eat skeletal muscle during alterations of flow by various procedures were studied. When flow only to the active gastrocuemiussoleus was measured, mechanical reduction in perfusion pressure, sympathetic chain stimulation and intra-arterial norepinephrine and epinephrine infusion were found to have esscritially identical effects in producing reduction in muscle force proportionate to that in blood flow. When flow in the whole leg musculature was measured while either the gastrocnemius-soleus or the quadriceps was active, varying results were obtained with these procedures which could be ascribed to differenees in response of vessels in active and resting muscles. During the carotid sinus reflex some vasoconstrictor activity occurred in active muscle. On the assumption that the maximal, muscle force is an index of the nutritional component of the flow, it may be inferred that, in general, those procedures in which total flow was restricted produced no alteration in distribution of nutritional and non-nutritional flow within the active muscle. Blood flow and muscle force were generally unaffected by concomitant stimulation in the hypothalamus of the sympathetic vasodilator system. An increase in flow and force occasionally was observed whien these were at low levels, or when a rise in arterial pressure occurred. The sympathetic vasodilator system produces no alteration in distibution of flow and would seem to play no role in the maintenance of blood flow and performance of normal active muscle. A fundamental difference appears to exist in the responses of the vasculature of resting and active skeletal muscle; this difference is related to the interplay of specialized effects of the vasomotor innervations and the action of vasodilator metabolites.
Geometric stable laws: Estimation and applications

Geometric stable laws constitute a class of limiting distributions of appropriately normalized random sums of i.i.d. random variables. We consider the problem of estimation of the parameters of univariate and multivariate geometric stable laws. Our estimation technique is based on the method of moments and yields consistent and asymptotically normal estimators. We apply our estimators to a currency exchange data and show that the geometric stable dominates Paretian stable and normal models.
SyMAP v3.4: a turnkey synteny system with application to plant genomes

SyMAP (Synteny Mapping and Analysis Program) was originally developed to compute synteny blocks between a sequenced genome and a FPC map, and has been extended to support pairs of sequenced genomes. SyMAP uses MUMmer to compute the raw hits between the two genomes, which are then clustered and filtered using the optional gene annotation. The filtered hits are input to the synteny algorithm, which was designed to discover duplicated regions and form larger-scale synteny blocks, where intervening micro-rearrangements are allowed. SyMAP provides extensive interactive Java displays at all levels of resolution along with simultaneous displays of multiple aligned pairs. The synteny blocks from multiple chromosomes may be displayed in a high-level dot plot or three-dimensional view, and the user may then drill down to see the details of a region, including the alignments of the hits to the gene annotation. These capabilities are illustrated by showing their application to the study of genome duplication, differential gene loss and transitive homology between sorghum, maize and rice. The software may be used from a website or standalone for the best performance. A project manager is provided to organize and automate the analysis of multi-genome groups. The software is freely distributed at http://www.agcol.arizona.edu/software/symap.
a comparison of step‐, pressure‐, and continuous‐wire‐gage wave recordings in the Golden Gate Channel

Step-, pressure-, and continuous-wire-typewave gages were installed on a steel pile located in 35 to 40 ft of water approximately 600 ft off the northeastern end of Baker's Beach, San Francisco. Simultaneous measurements with all gages were made on a nearly continuous basis during most of April, 1953. These data have been evaluated to obtain characteristic wave periods and heights, height probability distributions, autocorrelation functions, and power spectra. In addition, direct recordings of wave slopes were made possible by using a three-wire continuous-wire gage, and a brief description is given of certain of the characteristics of these data. While the frequency responses of all three instruments were nearly identical, surface waves derived from the subsurface pressure-gage recordings were shown to underestimate true values by an average factor of about 25 pct. The rather complex oceanographic structure of the channel is emphasized by occasional well-marked surges having periods of about three minutes with heights up to one foot and by significant changes occurring in the characteristic wave period.
Cost of spinal cord injuries caused by rollover automobile crashes

Objective To determine the reduction in direct cost for treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in belted occupants involved in rollover automobile crashes in the USA that would result if severe roof intrusion were eliminated. Methods Risk of SCI per rollover crash and by belted/unbelted status was calculated for roof intrusion magnitude categories using 1993–2006 National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) data. Direct costs of SCI based on neurological level and completeness of SCI were calculated using data from the National SCI Statistical Center. Results A reduction in rate of SCI for belted occupants with >15 cm roof intrusion to the rate seen for belted occupants with 8–15 cm roof intrusion would reduce the direct cost of SCI by approximately $97 million annually. Conclusion There would be substantial cost savings solely by a reduction in one uncommon type of injury, SCI, if severe roof intrusion were eliminated.