cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling individual subtests of the WAIS IV with multiple latent factors.

Performance on a cognitive test can be viewed either as measuring a unitary function or as reflecting the operation of multiple factors. Individual subtests in batteries designed to measure human abilities are commonly modeled as a single latent factor. Several latent factors are then used to model groups of subtests. However these latent factors are not independent as they are related through hierarchical or oblique structures. As a result, the simple structure of subtest performance results in complex latent factors. The present study used structural equation modeling to evaluate several multidimensional models of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales- fourth edition (WAIS-IV) subtests. Multidimensional models of subtest performance provided better model fit as compared to several previously proposed one dimensional models. These multidimensional models also generalized well to new samples of populations differing in age from that used to estimate the model parameters. Overall these results show that models that describe subtests as multidimensional functions of uncorrelated factors provided a better fit to the WAIS-IV correlations than models that describe subtests as one dimensional functions of correlated factors. There appears to be a trade-off in modeling subtests as one dimensional and modeling with homogeneous latent traits. More consideration should be given to models that include multiple uncorrelated latent factors as determinants of the performance on a given subtest. These results support the view that performance on any given cognitive test is potentially the result of multiple factors. Simple structure may be too simple.
The initiation and growth of, and the interaction among, adiabatic shear bands in simple and dipolar materials

Abstract The problem of simple shearing of a block simple (nonpolar) and dipolar thermoviscoplastic materials is studied with the objectives of exploring the initiation and growth of, and the interaction among, adiabatic shear bands. A shear band is assumed to have formed if the addition of a perturbation to the homogeneous fields just before the peak stress is reached results in a localization of the shear strain. The effect of adding perturbations of different sizes and of the same size but at different locations in the slab is investigated. It is shown that in simple materials, two shear bands coalesce if the distance between them is small but grow independently, although at a slower rate, if the distance between them is large. However, for dipolar materials, the two bands coalesce even when the distance between them at the time of their initiation is 20 times the material characteristic length.
On the role of calcium in adrenocorticotropin-induced changes in mitochondrial pregnenolone synthesis.

The importance of calcium in the ACTH-induced increase in adrenal mitochondrial pregnenolone synthesis was evaluated. In mitochondria prepared in the absence of EDTA and albumin, calcium enhanced the binding of cholesterol to cytochrome P- 450 and subsequent pregnenolone synthesis. Although these effects of calcium were slightly greater in control than in ACTH-treated mitochondria, a sizeable effect of ACTH remained even at high calcium levels (500 μM). In mitochondria prepared from adrenals homogenized in fluid containing EDTA and albumin, ACTH-induced effects on pregnenolone synthesis were relatively poor unless calcium was added to the incubation mixture. High concentrations of added calcium (500 μM or greater) obviated the need for the labile protein required for ACTH-induced effects in intact mitochondria, presumably by disrupting mitochondria and allowing an “unrestrained” interaction of cholesterol with cytochrome P-450. Thus, cholesterol-rich mitochondria from ACTH plus cycloheximide-treated rats ...
Individual-based models solved using fast Fourier transforms

Abstract We describe and apply an efficient solution method for individual-based models that uses Fourier transforms of convolution integrals. These integrals are commonly employed in quantitative genetic and individual-based structured population models. The convolution integrals define the cumulative intensity of interactions across all phenotypes that interact via reproduction, competition, predation, mutualism, etc. Such equations are efficiently integrated using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). As illustrations, we apply the method to a quantitative genetics model for the evolution of character displacement among competitors and to a predator–prey population model. We obtained a 7-fold increase in computation speed using the FFT as compared to direct integration using the trapezoid method. For the population dynamics we examined, the agreement between the FFT method and the trapezoid method is relatively insensitive to the number of intervals into which the functions to be integrated are discretized. However, excluding a portion of the tails of the distributions of the integrand reduces the agreement with the case using a large proportion of the tails. When applied to the character displacement model, eight competing species evolved to be equally spaced in phenotype space. Phenotype variances were not identical: species at the extremes of the linear sequence of phenotypes had a variance 25% larger than species on the interior of the sequence. In the predator–prey model without evolution, prey oscillations were stabilized with large variances in the predator phenotype or when the predator’s and prey’s mean phenotype differed significantly.
Visualizing network traffic for intrusion detection

Intrusion detection, the process of using network data to identify potential attacks, has become an essential component of information security. Human analysts doing intrusion detection work utilize vast amounts of data from disparate sources to make decisions about potential attacks. Yet, there is limited understanding of this critical human component. This research seeks to understand the work practices of these human analysts to inform the design of a task-appropriate information visualization tool to support network intrusion detection analysis tasks. System design will follow a user-centered, spiral methodology. System evaluation will include both a field-based qualitative evaluation, uncommon in information visualization, and a lab-based benchmarking evaluation.
Synthesis and activity of largazole analogues with linker and macrocycle modification.

To characterize largazole’s structural requirements for histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory and antiproliferative activities, a series of analogues with modifications to the side chain or 16-membered macrocycle were prepared and biologically evaluated. Structure−activity relationships suggested that the four-atom linker between the macrocycle and octanoyl group in the side chain and the (S)-configuration at the C17 position are critical to repression of HDAC activity. However, the valine residue in the macrocycle can be replaced with alanine without significant loss of activity.
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF HEMOGYTE MORPHOLOGY IN INSECTS

cells. Both the problems of classification of insect hemocytes as well as their functional relationships have been reviewed recently by Wigglesworth (1959) and Jones (1962). Even in those insects with many classes of hemocytes, one type of blood cell is usually predominant, the other classes occurring with lower frequencies. It is this most abundant cell type, generally termed the plasmatocyte, which has been observed to undergo mitosis. In the analysis of the mor? phology of this type of hemocyte, the first question to be considered is the stability of its form; or, what is the morphologic potential of the plasmatocyte? If such a potential in morphological variation exists, what are the factors which control or which may cause a change in the shape of this cell? And finally, inquiry may be made as to the role of this cell in the body of the insect, and how this cell type is functionally integrated with the rest of the body. In addition to the use of experimental manipulations which alter the physiological conditions existing in the hemolymph as an approach to studying the properties of the hemocytes, the methods of develop-
Response of earth and venus ionospheres to corotating solar wind stream of 3 July 1979

Corotating solar wind stream interactions are examined for the earth and Venus in light of data from the plasma detectors aboard ISEE-3, the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO), and Helios-A, as well as in situ ion composition measurements taken by the mass spectrometers aboard the PVO and Atmosphere Explorer-E spacecraft. During May-July 1979, a sequence of distinct, recurrent coronal regions developed at the sun; their analysis indicates a corresponding sequence of corotating streams. Although the planetary environments are distinctly different, it is noted that pronounced and analogous ionospheric responses to the stream passage were observed at both the earth and Venus. The response to the intercepted stream is consistent with independent investigations showing the importance of the variability of the solar wind momentum flux in the solar wind-ionosphere interaction at both planets.
Decay dynamics of Eu3+/Tb3+ in solution-processed Y2O3

Abstract As new synthesis techniques are developed to create phosphors with smaller particles the physical processes that govern luminescence behaviors, like efficiency and decay rates, are influenced by the large surface-to-volume ratios of the nano-structured materials. Decay of lanthanide excited states, following pulsed laser excitation, is used to probe the affect of size-induced decay channels on the luminescent properties. We report results on the decay dynamics of europium and terbium excited states in solution-produced yttrium oxide. Radiative decay from the Eu3+ 5D0 state is found to be well described by a single exponential function ( τ = 1.4 ms ) over a range of concentrations (0.01–2.0%). The Tb3+ 5D4 decay exhibits a distribution of decay rates over the concentration range 0.01–5.0%. The distribution of decay rates is discussed using a probability density function based on the Kohlrausch decay function.
Stability and selectivity of a chronic, multi-contact cuff electrode for sensory stimulation in a human amputee

Multi-contact cuff electrodes were implanted in the median, ulnar, and radial nerves of an upper-limb amputee. 19 of 20 contacts produced selective, sensory response in the phantom limb from nerve stimulation. The neural interface has been stable for the duration of this ongoing chronic study, 12 months post-implant, with consistent threshold and impedance measures.
Going global: examining issues and seeking collaboration for international interlending, the view from the US.

Purpose – International interlibrary loan remains a persistent and sometimes vexing topic in US libraries. Technology's advance allows libraries and library users to easily identify resources from across the globe. This ease of discovery belies the difficulty of delivery. To contribute to the conversation, the ALA RUSA STARS International Interlibrary Loan Committee conducted a survey of US libraries regarding international interlibrary loan activity. The survey uncovered elements impacting ILL success and failure and identified opportunities for US academic libraries global ILL participation. Issues that concern the survey's participants included communications, copyright, customs, payment methods, shipping, and language barriers. US interlibrary loan librarians seek cooperative responses to these problems. This paper seeks to address this issue.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the current climate of international interlibrary loan from a US perspective and highlights efforts to use STA...
Polymerization of Substituted Styrenes by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

A series of substituted styrenes were polymerized by controlled/“living” radical polymerization using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), in order to correlate monomer structures with polymerization rate. The effect of substituents is discussed with regard to the Hammett equation. The results show that most of the monomers can polymerize in a controlled way by ATRP; i.e., the apparent polymerization rate is first order with respect to monomer concentration, and molecular weight increases linearly with monomer conversion. The molecular weights obtained fit the theoretical values and polydispersities are relatively low (Mw/Mn < 1.5). Monomers with electron-withdrawing (EW) substituents result in better polymerization control and polymerize faster than those with electron-donating (ED) substituents. The apparent polymerization rate constants follow the Hammett equation with ρ = 1.5. Further study indicates that the difference of polymerization rates for different monomers can be attributed to both p...
The wealth of regions

Abstract The article opens with an extended commentary on the continued—and future—significance of regional development issues, even in a rapidly globalizing world economy. The bases of regional economic activity are analysed in terms of network structures of production, technology systems, local labour markets, and regional business cultures. A policy framework for approaching tasks of regional competitiveness is described, with special reference to first mover advantages, resource mobilization, problems of regional coordination, and institution building in general. A brief case-study of some actual policy responses to the economic crisis of Southern California in the early 1990s is presented.
Progesterone-dependent binding of a trans-acting factor to the uteroglobin promoter.

Summary A trans -acting factor that specifically binds to the uteroglobin (UG) gene promoter has been identified. Binding activity was absent in non-target tissues (lung, liver) in HeLa cell nuclear extracts, and in target tissue (endometrium) in the absence of progesterone. Mixing experiments revealed an inhibitor of promoter binding in the absence of progesterone and in non-specific nuclear extracts. Inhibition of binding in the endometrium was reversed by the action of progesterone. The results suggest that binding of a transcription regulatory factor to the UG promoter switches from negative to positive with the action of progesterone. The binding activity corresponds to the expression of the UG gene and this protein may be, therefore, a coordinately regulated trans -acting factor which regulates UG in a tissue-specific manner.
Tyrosinase Gene Expression is Regulated by p53

Tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme for melanin synthesis, is induced after ultraviolet irradiation as part of the tanning response, the major recognized photoprotective response of human skin. Other DNA-damaging agents and DNA fragments such as thymidine dinucleotides also induce tyrosinase gene expression. Moreover, like ultraviolet light they also activate p53. To determine whether p53 activation is required for this increased tyrosinase expression, we employed two experimental systems: (i) a human melanoma line (WM35) known to express wild-type p53 versus WM35 cells engineered to express a transcriptionally inactive dominant-negative p53 (WM35-p53 DN ) or the empty vector alone (WM35-pCMV7) and (ii) mice with wild-type p53 versus p53 knockout mice. In WM35-p53 DN cells, the baseline p53 protein level was higher than in WM35 or WM35-pCMV7 cells, and tyrosinase transcripts were lower. After ultraviolet irradiation, in all cell lines the p53 protein level increased within the first 24 h, as expected; and at 24 h tyrosinase mRNA levels were decreased. Consistent with the literature, these data in combination suggest that increased p53 protein level downregulates tyrosinase mRNA. In WM35 and WM35-pCMV7 cells at 48 and 72 h, however, whereas p53 levels remained elevated, tyrosinase mRNA levels compared to pre-irradiation levels tripled, whereas in WM35-p53 DN cells levels remained below baseline. In thymidine-dinucleotide-treated WM35 and WM35-pCMV7 cells there was a comparable upregulation of tyrosinase mRNA within 24 h that persisted through 72 h, but there was no upregulation of tyrosinase mRNA in WM35-p53 DN cells any time after ultraviolet irradiation or thymidine dinucleotide treatment. In ear skin of p53 wild-type mice, topical application of thymidine dinucleotide induced a 4–5-fold increase in epidermal melanin content after 3 wk, but in p53 knockout mice thymidine dinucleotide application caused no detectable increase in melanin. Together, these data demonstrate that p53 activation increases tyrosinase mRNA level and subsequently pigmentation. The data further suggest that tanning is part of a p53-mediated adaptive response of mammalian skin to DNA damage from ultraviolet irradiation.
Magnon transport effects in the thermal conductivity of RbMnF3

Abstract The thermal conductivity of antiferromagnetic RbMnF 3 has been measured as a function of temperature and applied field. The data cannot be interpreted by a simple spin-wave contributions to the heat current.
A Preventive Maintenance Program for Hydroelectric Generator Windings

This paper describes a program for the preventive maintenance of hydroelectric generator windings. The program has been developed strictly from the operator's viewpoint. It is intended to provide a practical means of determining the condition and reliability of the winding insulation, and in addition, reveal maintenance techniques necessary to lengthen the winding life and to assure reliable operation from one test and maintenance period to another.
Neural auditory selectivity develops in parallel with song.

The zebra finch learns his song by memorizing a tutor's vocalization and then using auditory feedback to match his current vocalization to this memory, or “template”. The neural song system of adult and young birds responds to auditory stimuli, and exhibits selective tuning to the bird's own song (BOS). We have directly examined the development of neural tuning in the song motor system. We measured song system responses to vocalizations produced at various ages during sleep. We now report that the auditory response of the song motor system and motor output are linked early in song development. During sleep, playback of the current BOS induced a response in the song nucleus HVC during the song practice period, even when the song consisted of little more than repeated begging calls. Halfway through the sensorimotor period when the song was not yet in its final form, the response to BOS already exceeded that to all other auditory stimuli tested. Moreover, responses to previous, plastic versions of BOS decayed over time. This indicates that selective tuning to BOS mirrors the vocalization that the bird is currently producing.
Rationale and design of the Post-MI FREEE trial : A randomized evaluation of first-dollar drug coverage for post-myocardial infarction secondary preventive therapies

Background Medication nonadherence is a major public health problem, especially for patients with coronary artery disease. The cost of prescription drugs is a central reason for nonadherence, even for patients with drug insurance. Removing patient out-of-pocket drug costs may increase adherence, improve clinical outcomes, and even reduce overall health costs for high-risk patients. The existing data are inadequate to assess whether this strategy is effective. Trial Design The Post-Myocardial Infarction Free Rx and Economic Evaluation (Post-MI FREEE) trial aims to evaluate the effect of providing full prescription drug coverage (ie, no copays, coinsurance, or deductibles) for statins, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers to patients after being recently discharged from the hospital. Potentially eligible patients will be those individuals who receive their health and pharmacy benefits through Aetna, Inc. Patients enrolled in a Health Savings Account plan, who are ≥65 years of age, whose plan sponsor (ie, the employer, union, government, or association that sponsors the particular benefits package) has opted out of participating in the study, and who do not receive both medical services and pharmacy coverage through Aetna will be excluded. The plan sponsor of each eligible patient will be block randomized to either full drug coverage or current levels of pharmacy benefit, and all subsequently eligible patients of that same plan sponsor will be assigned to the same benefits group. The primary outcome of the trial is a composite clinical outcome of readmission for acute MI, unstable angina, stroke, congestive heart failure, revascularization, or inhospital cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes include medication adherence and health care costs. All patients will be followed up for a minimum of 1 year. Conclusion The Post-MI FREEE trial will be the first randomized study to evaluate the impact of reducing cost-sharing for essential cardiac medications in high-risk patients on clinical and economic outcomes.
Pathogenesis of Staphylococcus in the rabbit anterior chamber.

PURPOSE To investigate the host defense against Staphylococcus in the rabbit anterior chamber. METHODS The bactericidal activity of rabbit aqueous humor was investigated in vitro. Rabbit anterior chambers were injected with viable Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis (1,000 or 500,000 colony-forming units [CFU]), killed bacteria, culture supernatants of either organism, or purified S. aureus alpha-toxin. CFU as well as phospholipase (PLA(2)) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities of aqueous humor were determined up to 25 hours postinfection (PI). RESULTS The number of viable S. aureus or S. epidermidis was significantly reduced when incubated with aqueous humor for 30 minutes (P </= 0.0001). Rabbits challenged with either S. aureus or S. epidermidis demonstrated a significant reduction in CFU in aqueous humor by 1 hour PI (P </= 0.0044). Eyes infected with either S. aureus or S. epidermidis demonstrated a significant increase in MPO activity beginning at 1 hour PI (P </= 0.0455), but only S. aureus caused an increase in PLA(2) activity at 20 and 25 hours PI (P </= 0.0002). No significant increases in PLA(2) activity were observed after injection of killed bacteria into the aqueous humor at any time point; however, injection of S. aureus supernatant or alpha-toxin into the anterior chamber significantly increased PLA(2) activity (P </= 0.0210). Injection of alpha-toxin also resulted in significant increases in MPO activity beginning at 10 hours after injection (P </= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that aqueous humor has a potent host defense capability and that S. aureus, but not S. epidermidis, triggers a PLA(2) response in the rabbit anterior chamber that appears to be due to alpha-toxin.
Genres of Journalism History

Journalism history took its initial shape from the memoirs of newspaper conductors who also subsidized its initial archives, which consisted primarily of the collected files of newspapers. It then helped form the core of professional education in journalism. This original journalism history tended to assume a hegemonic notion of journalism and to promote a Whiggish grand narrative of journalism. Recent generations of journalism historians have been trying to break out of familiar patterns. New developments, including digital archives and systemic changes in both media industries and journalism education, promise to change the architecture that has produced the dominant styles of journalism history and to encourage instead a more interesting and useful history of the news environment.
Toll-like receptors: Applications to dermatologic disease

Toll-like receptors are a recently identified group of receptors that are an important component of the immune system. Thus far, ten different receptors have been identified and have unique tissue distribution, ligand binding properties, cellular signaling pathways, and cytokine production profiles. Importantly, ligand binding has been shown to regulate both the adaptive and host immune response; thus, defects in this pathway have the potential to lead to increased susceptibility to infection and inflammatory dysregulation. In this article, the burgeoning literature pertinent to the discovery and signaling mechanisms are reviewed in addition to the discussion of the important role Toll-like receptors may play in the pathogenesis of numerous skin diseases. Learning objective At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the role of Toll-like receptors in host defenses and their relevance to dermatologic diseases.
Privatizing Schooling and Policy Making: The American Legislative Exchange Council and New Political and Discursive Strategies of Education Governance

In this article, we examine the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) as an example of a unique node within larger policy networks composed of new policy entrepreneurs (e.g., venture philant...
7-Amino-4-perfluoroheptylcoumarins: a novel class of perfluorocarbon-soluble fluorescent dyes

Abstract Five examples of 7-amino-4-perfluoroheptylcoumarins ( 3 ), a novel class of perfluorocarbon-solubledyes, have been prepared by the reaction of β-ketoesters containing a perfluoroheptylgroup ( 1a and b ) with 3-aminophenols ( 2a , b and c ). All these dyes fluoresced brightlywhen irradiated with long-wavelength ultraviolet light.
Use of Precipitation to Alter Flux and Fouling Performance in Cheese Whey Ultrafiltration

Two limitations to the flux rate in ultrafiltration (UF) of cheese whey are fouling and concentration polarization. An attempt was made to improve flux rates by a pretreatment to reduce the level of soluble proteins in the UF feed. The resistances to permeate flux and long-term fouling behavior for the various feed components for both acid and sweet (Cheddar) wheys was examined. The rate of fouling could be reduced for the sweet whey by precipitation, but no improvement over simple pH adjustment was observed for acid whey.
Aneurysm-related death: Primary endpoint analysis for comparison of open and endovascular repair

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to utilize an objective endpoint analysis of aneurysm treatment, which is based on the primary objective of aneurysm repair, and to apply it to a consecutive series of patients undergoing open and endovascular repair. Method: Aneurysm-related death was defined as any death that occurred within 30 days of primary aneurysm treatment (open or endovascular), within 30 days of a secondary aneurysm or graft-related treatment, or any death related to the aneurysm or graft at any time following treatment. We reviewed 417 consecutive patients undergoing elective infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair: 243 patients with open repair and 174 patients with endovascular repair. Results: There was no difference between the groups (open vs endovascular) with regard to mean age ± standard deviation (73 ± 8 years vs 74 ± 8 years) or aneurysm size (64 ± 2 mm vs 58 ± 10 mm) (P = not significant [NS]). The 30-day mortality for the primary procedure after open repair was 3.7% (9/243) and after endovascular repair was 0.6% (1/174, P < .05). The 30-day mortality for secondary procedures after open repair was 14% (6/41) compared to 0% after endovascular repair (P < .05). The aneurysm-related death rate was 4.1% (10/243) after open surgery and 0.6% (1/174) after endovascular repair (P < .05). Mean follow-up was 5 months longer following open repair (P < .05). Secondary procedures were performed in 41 patients following open surgery and 27 patients following endovascular repair (P = NS). Secondary procedures following open repair were performed for anastomotic aneurysms (n = 18), graft infection (n = 6), aortoenteric fistula (n = 5), anastomotic hemorrhage (n = 4), lower extremity amputation (n = 4), graft thrombosis (n = 3), and distal revascularization (n = 1). Secondary procedures following endovascular repair consisted of proximal extender cuffs (n = 11), distal extender cuffs (n = 11), limb thrombosis (n = 3), and surgical conversion (n = 2). The magnitude of secondary procedures following open repair was greater with longer operative time 292 ± 89 minutes vs 129 ± 33 minutes (P < .0001), longer length of stay 13 ± 10 days vs 2 ± 2 days (P < .0001) and greater blood loss 3382 ± 4278 mL vs 851 ± 114 mL (P < .0001). Conclusions: The aneurysm-related death rate combines early and late deaths and should be used as the primary outcome measure to objectively compare the results of open and endovascular repair in the treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. In our experience, endovascular aneurysm repair reduced the overall aneurysm-related death rate when compared to open repair. Secondary procedures are required after both open and endovascular repair. However, the magnitude, morbidity, and mortality of secondary procedures are reduced significantly with endovascular repair. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:297-304.)
Three-dimensional microenvironments modulate fibroblast signaling responses

Modes of signaling in fibroblasts can differ substantially depending on whether these cells are in their natural three-dimensional environment compared to artificial two-dimensional culture conditions. Although studying cell behavior in two-dimensional environments has been valuable for understanding biological processes, questions can be raised about their in vivo physiological relevance. This review focuses on some of our research involving fibroblast behavior in cell-derived three-dimensional matrices. Specifically, we examine how these matrices affect cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and signaling compared to two-dimensional substrates. We stress the importance of controls for three-dimensional matrix studies and discuss cancer as an example in which altered three-dimensional matrices can influence fibroblast signaling. Studying cells in three-dimensional microenvironments can lead to the design of more physiologically relevant conditions for assaying drug responses and deciphering biological mechanisms.
Regulation of Senescence in Cancer and Aging

Senescence is regarded as a physiological response of cells to stress, including telomere dysfunction, aberrant oncogenic activation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. This stress response has an antagonistically pleiotropic effect to organisms: beneficial as a tumor suppressor, but detrimental by contributing to aging. The emergence of senescence as an effective tumor suppression mechanism is highlighted by recent demonstration that senescence prevents proliferation of cells at risk of neoplastic transformation. Consequently, induction of senescence is recognized as a potential treatment of cancer. Substantial evidence also suggests that senescence plays an important role in aging, particularly in aging of stem cells. In this paper, we will discuss the molecular regulation of senescence its role in cancer and aging. The potential utility of senescence in cancer therapeutics will also be discussed.
A Reasonably Accurate History of Man: And The Next Age

It is a necessary disclaimer that you know that I am not a historian. What I share with you might suffer in terms of preciseness of order and even content. I may omit certain events that others would have included. Nevertheless, I offer thoughts that I hope will add to perspective. That is one of my objectives. In addition, it is my intent to provide a stimulus for other roamings of the Mind.
Gender differentials in industry wage premia, affirmative action, and employment growth on the industry level

While most previous work has examined the gender wage gap by controlling for productivity-related factors, we focus on gender differences in industry wage premia (efficiency wages) on the detailed industry level and examine industry characteristics that might explain such differences. Using data from the 1988 CPS, we find that the extent to which firms in an industry were likely to be targeted for Affirmation Action compliance review, industry employment growth, and industry profitability have helped narrow the gender gap in industry wage premia. Other characteristics, such as capital intensity, mean education, and sales and payroll growth were much less important.
Hardware module reuse and runtime assembly for dynamic management of reconfigurable resources

Partial reconfiguration (PR) enhances traditional FPGA-based systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) by providing benefits such as reduced area requirements and increased system flexibility. In multi-application PR SoCs, a dynamic resource manager (DRM) must efficiently orchestrate PR hardware resource management (access to and sharing of PR resources) in order to minimize the percentage of wasted/unused PR resources and reconfiguration time overhead. In this paper, we present DRM software that leverages two techniques, hardware module reuse and dynamic inter-module communication, to reduce wasted/unused PR hardware resources by 13% and reduce reconfiguration time by 33% as compared to a DRM without these techniques.
Optimized perioperative biventricular pacing in setting of right heart failure.

Aims A 78-year-old female with prior atrioventricular junctional ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and implantation of DDDR pacemaker underwent repair of severe tricuspid insufficiency. Effects of biventricular pacing were tested with temporary wires at the conclusion of cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods An ultrasonic flow probe was placed on the ascending aorta for real time cardiac output measurements. Atrioventricular delay optimization was performed and biventricular pacing was initiated while right–left ventricular delays were varied. Results There was no advantage of biventricular pacing (optimum right–left ventricular delay of +80 ms) compared with existing DDD. Conclusions This study confirms the physiological effects of right–left ventricular delay on cardiac output after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Successful Management of CMV Pneumonia in a Mechanically Ventilated Patient

We report a case of severe respiratory failure due to cytomegalovirus pneumonitis in a patient who underwent an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, who was successfully treated with the combination of ganciclovir and high-dose intravenous immune globulin. We also reviewed the rationale for the use of combination therapy with an antiviral agent and immunotherapy. Because of the bone marrow toxicity of ganciclovir, an aggressive diagnostic approach, including bronchoalveolar lavage and open lung biopsy, may be necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis prior to institution of therapy. (Chest 1991; 100:856-58)
Regional and temporal dimensions of metropolitan area wage structures

Principal components analysis is applied to occupational wage data for a sample of metropolitan areas. Indexes of wage levels and skilled/unskilled differentials are derived. Areas in the same region tend to have similar wage structures, which have changed little over twenty years. A simple regression model is reasonably successful in explaining interarea variation in the two dimensions.
Computerized characterization of masses on mammograms: The rubber band straightening transform and texture analysis

A new rubber band straightening transform (RBST) is introduced for characterization of mammographic masses as malignant or benign. The RBST transforms a band of pixels surrounding a segmented mass onto the Cartesian plane (the RBST image). The border of a mammographic mass appears approximately as a horizontal line, and possible spiculations resemble vertical lines in the RBST image. In this study, the effectiveness of a set of directional texture features extracted from the RBST images was compared to the effectiveness of the same features extracted from the images before the RBST. A database of 168 mammograms containing biopsy-proven malignant and benign breast masses was digitized at a pixel size of 100 μm×100 μm . Regions of interest (ROIs) containing the biopsied mass were extracted from each mammogram by an experienced radiologist. A clustering algorithm was employed for automated segmentation of each ROI into a mass object and background tissue. Texture features extracted from spatial gray-level dependence matrices and run-length statistics matrices were evaluated for three different regions and representations: (i) the entire ROI; (ii) a band of pixels surrounding the segmented mass object in the ROI; and (iii) the RBST image. Linear discriminant analysis was used for classification, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the classification accuracy. Using the ROC curves as the performance measure, features extracted from the RBST images were found to be significantly more effective than those extracted from the original images. Features extracted from the RBST images yielded an area (A z ) of 0.94 under the ROC curve for classification of mammographic masses as malignant and benign.
The coadsorption of potassium and oxygen on Bi(0001): Accelerated oxidation

The effect of potassium adatoms upon the interaction of oxygen with Bi(0001) at room temperature has been studied using electron energy loss (ELS) and work function (Δφ) measurements, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Submonolayer K coverages increase the rate of epitaxial BiO(0001) growth by orders of magnitude. Potassium stabilizes a new form of chemisorbed oxygen, which is thought to be a precursor in the accelerated oxidation mechanism. Growth of BiO terminates after three monolayers by diffusion limitation. The rate enhancement by potassium seems to involve localized, site specific dissociation of the O2 molecule rather than a long-range, through-substrate electronic interaction. These results are discussed in light of similar results on transition metals and their differences in charge screening lengths.
Characterization and chemical properties of phosphoribosylamine, an unstable intermediate in the de novo purine biosynthetic pathway

Incubation of (1-/sup 13/C)-5-phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate ((1-/sup 13/C)PRPP) and glutamine with PRPP amidotransferase results in rapid production and disappearance of two new resonances at 89.3 and 85.9 ppm. These resonances coincide with two of the products produced upon incubation of (1-/sup 13/C)ribose 5-phosphate with NH/sub 3/. Extensive NMR studies (/sup 15/N and /sup 1/H-/sup 13/C chemical shift correlation spectra) have allowed assignment of these resonances to ..beta..- and ..cap alpha..-phosphoribosylamine. These studies represent the first spectral observations of this chemically reactive intermediate. The rate of interconversion of ..cap alpha..- to ..beta..-phosphoribosylamine as a function of pH has been determined by saturation and inversion-transfer NMR methods. The rate of formation of 5-phosphoribosylamine (PRA) from ribose 5-phosphate and NH/sub 3/ and its rate of decomposition as a function of pH have been determined with a glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase trapping system fashioned after earlier studies of Nierlich and Magasanik. Phosphoribosylamine has a t/sub 1/2 = 38 s at 37 /sup 0/C and pH 7.5. The pH-independent equilibrium constant for ribose 5-phosphate and NH/sub 3/ with phosphoribosylamine has been established, 2.5 M/sup -1/, by use of these rate constants as well as by NMR methods. This equilibrium constant and the rates of nonenzymatic interconversion ofmore » ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-PRA provide essential background for studying the mechanism of glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase and investigating the possibility of channeling phosphoribosylamine between this enzyme and the first enzyme in the purine pathway« less
Sex- and dose-dependent effects of neonatally administered aspartate on the ultradian patterns of circulating growth hormone regulating hexobarbital metabolism and action.

Rats, neonatally treated with monosodium aspartate (MSA), exhibited developmental defects through adulthood that were characterized by stunted growth, obesity, and reduced size of the liver, kidney, adrenals, and pituitary. Adult male and female rats treated with 4 mg of MSA had no detectable plasma growth hormone as determined from serial blood samples taken every 15 min for 8 consecutive hr. Associated with this loss of circulating growth hormone in the males was a dramatic decline in in vivo and in vitro hexobarbital metabolism and hepatic cytochrome P450 to female levels. The loss of plasma growth hormone in the females had no effect on the already low levels of hepatic monooxygenases. At 2 mg/g body weight, MSA produced both sex- and dose-dependent effects that were far more subtle than the full-blown obesity and growth retardation associated with the larger 4-mg dose. While the mean concentration of circulating growth hormone was reduced 70 to 90% in 2-mg-MSA-treated rats, the sexually dimorphic, ultradian patterns of growth hormone secretion were undisturbed. Affected males continued to secrete a pulse of growth hormone every 3 hr, albeit at greatly reduced amplitudes, interposed by normally undetectable baselines. Similarly, 2-mg-MSA-treated females had greatly reduced mean levels of plasma growth hormone, but with the usual secretion of multiple pulses never dropping to baseline. Surprisingly, the sex-dependent, hepatic monooxygenases, which are normally regulated by the ultradian secretions of growth hormone, were unaffected by the 2-mg MSA treatment. Our results suggest that while an ultradian pulse of circulating growth hormone is necessary for the characteristically male profile of hepatic monooxygenases, neither the amplitude of the secretory peaks no their total growth hormone content is critical.
Training Family Therapists to Work with Children: Competence, Relevance, and Interest Ratings in the Field of Family Therapy

The main purpose of this investigation was to conduct a preliminary needs assessment in the field of marriage and family therapy regarding perceived training needs for working with children in family therapy. Data for the needs assessment was collected using a survey methodology. The needs assessment gathered information on the level of competence, level of relevance, and level of training interest in the field of marriage and family therapy for specific child-related content areas. The implications of these findings on clinical practice and training programs are discussed. The limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are provided.
The Ivrea—Verbano and Strona-Ceneri Zones, Northern Italy: A cross-section of the continental crust—New evidence from seismic velocities of rock samples

Abstract Seismic velocities under confining pressures to 10 kbar have been measured for rocks of the Ivrea—Verbano and Strona—Ceneri Zones of northern Italy, a metamorphic complex thought to represent a cross-section of the continental crust and crust—mantle boundary. Laboratory-determined compressional wave velocities for schists and gneisses of the amphibolite facies found in the upper levels of the section (having an average density of 2.74 g/cm3) average 6.45 km/sec at pressures between 6 and 10 kbar. These increase with depth to values greater than 7.1 km/sec for amphibolites and rocks of the amphibolite—granulite facies transition and to 7.5 km/sec. (average density 3.06 g/cm3) in intermediate and mafic granulite facies rocks near the base of the section. Compressional wave velocities then abruptly increase to 8.5 km/sec in ultramafic complexes near the Insubric Line. Regional geophysical surveys show that P g is 6.0 km/sec (density of 2.7 g/cm3), P∗ is 7.2–7.4 km/sec (density of 3.1 g/cm3) and P n is 8.1 km/sec, values which are in agreement with the laboratory data when effects of temperature are taken into consideration. Estimated thicknesses of exposed rock units are in reasonable agreement with thicknesses determined for crustal layers in seismic refraction experiments. The agreement between the regional crustal structure and the laboratory-determined values of velocity and density provides strong evidence for the hypothesis that the rocks of this metamorphic complex represent a cross-section of the continental crust of the Po Basin. Using the Ivrea—Verbano and Strona—Ceneri sequence as a model of the continental crust, the crust of northern Italy is shown to consist of a thick series of metamorphic rocks with greenschist facies rocks occupying the uppermost levels. These grade downward into amphibolite facies gneisses and schists with occasional granitic intrusives. The Conrad discontinuity is marked by a change from silicic and intermediate amphibolite facies gneisses to intermediate and mafic granulite facies rocks in which hydrous minerals diminish in abundance and thus represents a distinct transition in terms of both composition and metamorphic grade. The lower crust is dominated by a heterogeneous series of mafic and metapelitic rocks in the granulite facies. Importantly, metasedimentary rocks of intermediate silica content found in the complex can have compressional wave velocities equivalent to velocities in mafic rocks suggesting that the lower continental crust everywhere is not necessarily mafic in composition. Ultramafic complexes near the Insubric Line may represent the upper mantle of the continent and their setting suggests that the continental crust-upper mantle boundary is sharp and is not isochemical.
California mastitis test reactivity and bacterial invasions in quarters infected with Corynebacterium bovis.

Abstract Investigations were conducted into the aveffects of infections of Corynebacterium bovis on California Mastitis Test reactions and intramammary invasions by typical mastitis pathogens. Mean mastitis score for milk from quarters shedding C. bovis was 1.1 (1 to 4 basis) compared to .5 for milk from uninfected quarters. Isolations of typical mastitis pathogens were significantly lower among each of two groups of quarters which were shedding C. bovis than among two groups which were uninfected before the experiments.
Externally applied forces to the palm increase carpal tunnel pressure

Change in carpal tunnel pressures that result from externally applied forces to the palm of the hand were assessed in five cadaveric specimens. MIKRO-TIP transducers were percutaneously placed into the carpal tunnel at the level of the hook of the hamate. A 1 kg force was applied to the palm of the hand in 16 separate locations. Significant elevations in carpal tunnel pressure were observed for external forces applied over the flexor retinaculum (103 mm Hg) and also for the hypothenar (37 mm Hg) and thenar (75 mm Hg) aeeas adjacent to the distal aspect of the carpal tunnel. These data demonstrate that the application of external forces on the palm of cadaver hands increases carpal tunnel pressure and the magnitude of the pressure change in the carpal tunnel depends on the location of the applied force.
Fiber Optics As Light-Detector Probes In The Accurate Measurement Of Detonation Velocities In Two-Phase Fuel-Air Explosions

Fiber-optic probes can be placed directly into solid explosives in order to obtain accurate measurement of the detonation velocity. In the case of two-phase fuel-air explosions, however, such measurements become difficult as the fiber optics can receive radiant energy from the reaction front well before and after the passage of the reaction front. Nevertheless, appropriate design and placement of the fiber-optic probes and discrimination of the signals makes this technique useful. Furthermore, a5 the distance between the shock and reaction fronts becomes significant in two-phase fuel-air detonations, the concomitant measurement of arrival times at co-located fiber-optic probes and piezoelectric pressure gages of the reaction and shock fronts, respectively, allows characterization of induction time/distance information as a function of the system parameters. Application of this technique to the detonation of aluminum powder in air resulted in induction times of 14 to 48 lisec. Such variation was attributed to variations in the concentration of aluminum powder in air. This compares with an induction time of about 3 psec in the case of ethylene-air homogeneous gas-phase detonations.