cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The crystal structure of bis-(cyclopentamethylenedithiocarbomato) FeII dicarbonyl

Abstract The crystal structure of bis(cyclopentamethylenedithiocarbamato) FeIIdicarbonyl, (Cpdtc)2Fe(CO)2 has been determined from three-dimensional x-ray data collected by Weissenberg techniques. The compound crystallizes in the space group D2h15-Pbca of the orthorhombic system with eight molecules in a cell of dimensions a = 9.67(2), b = 11.65(2), and c = 33.74(8) A; V = 3802.2 A3. The observed and calculated densities are 1.52(2) and 1.51 gm/cm−3. The molecules contain six-fold coordinated FeII in which the carbonyl groups are cis to each other and the polyhedron around the central atom is an octahedron distorted by the limited ligand «bite». The two dithiocarbamate ligands consists of nearly planar S2CNC2 fragments which make an angle of 88.8° to each other while the piperidine rings are in the chair conformation and contain normal CN and CC bonds. The FeS bonds occur in pairs (av. FeS lengths being 2.338(6) and 2.306(5) A, respectively and the longer pair is associated with sulfurs located trans to the carbonyl ligands. The FeCO fragments are essentially linear and the average value of the FeC, CO, and FeCO parameters are: 1.78(3) A, 1.12(3) A, and 177(1)°, respectively.
Single-Photon Sources Using Two-Photon Absorption

Although two-photon absorption (TPA) is a nonlinear optical process, it is not typically considered a fundamental resource for optical quantum information processing (QIP). We have recently shown that TPA and the quantum Zeno effect can be used to make deterministic quantum logic devices (Zeno gates) from an otherwise linear optical system. In a Zeno gate, TPA is used to suppress the failure events that would normally occur in a linear optics device when multiple photons exit the device in the same optical mode. We have also recently shown that additional two-photon absorbing media can be used in a more conventional manner, along with a Zeno gate, to convert weak laser pulses into heralded single photon pulses. Sources of this kind could have many potential benefits; however, the use of detectors and classical switches could limit their scalability, and therefore their usefulness in larger QIP systems. Here we describe how TPA and Zeno gates alone could be used to make more efficient, and possibly scalable, single-photon sources. Because the Zeno gates also rely on TPA, we show that the only critical enabling resource for this approach is an efficient TPA medium.
Postnatal toxicity following prenatal reserpine exposure in rats: Effects of dose and dosing schedule

Pregnant CD rats were treated subcutaneously with 0, 0.1, 0.33, or 1.0 mg reserpine/kg/day either on Days 12-15 or on Days 16-19 of gestation. Dams were allowed to deliver and litters (4 +/- 1 of each sex) were weighed weekly and held to 21 days of age. Basal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and neurochemical determinations were made on hearts and brains, respectively, from pups culled from litters on postnatal Day 1, and from two males and two females/litter at 21 days of age. Following both treatment schedules, the high dose of reserpine resulted in maternal weight loss during dosing, increased stillborn pups, reduced pup weight at birth, retarded postnatal growth, and decreased survival to 21 days of age. Basal cardiac ODC activity was reduced to 33% of control levels only on Postnatal Day 1 in both high-dose groups, while absolute heart weight decreased and relative heart weight increased in these pups. Whole-brain concentrations of two neurotransmitter metabolites, 3-4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were increased only at Postnatal Day 1 in the high dose group treated on Days 12-15 of gestation. No other changes were found in concentrations of these metabolites or in the transmitters dopamine and serotonin. The only effect found following administration of 0.33 mg/kg reserpine was a reduction in maternal weight gained during both dosing periods. No signs of toxicity were observed following low-dose exposure on either schedule. Most previously reported postnatal functional studies following reserpine exposure have used mid- to late-gestational treatment with 1.0 mg/kg, a dose shown here to result in marked overt maternal and fetal toxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Quest for (Higher) Professional Status: Second Thoughts

The sociopolitical movement to enhance youth workers' occupational status and related emoluments strategically links this goal to competency-based assessment. While the goals of improved conditions, remuneration, and career opportunities for workers is supported, the joining of those goals to both professionalization and in turn competency-based worker assessments is not. Brief analyses of the logic and practice of competency-based assessments, of the medieval guilds as a historical source of these and of worker and market control, of youth work as a social agency-based semi-profession, the current status of profession as a symbol of social status and authority, and a quick overview of Aristotle's phronesis and its relevance to youth work practice provide sources for the author's second thoughts about the ideational frame and argument for this sociopolitical and sociolegal movement.
Preliminary reliability and validity of a new time-sensitive ADHD symptom scale in adolescents with ADHD.

AbstractObjectives: To validate the Time-Sensitive ADHD Symptom Scale (TASS) in the assessment of symptom change during the day in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A total of 40 participants with ADHD aged 13 to 17 years completed 1 or 2 visits, 1 to 9 weeks apart. The TASS and the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) were completed twice at each visit: at the time of the clinic visit (in-clinic assessment) and 2 to 6 hours afterwards (evening assessment). Results: Internal consistency of the TASS was high, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.91 (in-clinic) and 0.90 (evening) for visit 1, and 0.88 (in-clinic) and 0.86 (evening) for visit 2. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the TASS and ADHD-RS-IV were significant at both visits (P < 0.0001). Stability analyses of the TASS found no significant effect between ratings performed at different visits (P = 0.936), but there was a significant effect of the assessment time within visits (P < 0.0001). There was n...
The iron-sulfur protein is necessary for the complete assembly of the low-molecular-weight subunits into the cytochrome b-c1 complex of yeast mitochondria.

Abstract A strain of yeast lacking the gene for the Rieske iron-sulfur protein (RIP) of the cytochrome b - c 1 complex was used to study the assembly of this complex in the mitochondrial membrane. This strain lacks the mRNA for the iron-sulfur protein as evidenced by both Northern hybridization using a probe containing the coding region of the gene plus in vitro translation of total RNA followed by immunoprecipitation with a specific antibody against the iron-sulfur protein. In addition, isolated mitochondria from this strain lacked cytochrome c reductase activity with either succinate or the decyl analog of ubiquinol as substrate. Immunoblotting studies with antiserum against the cytochrome b - c 1 complex revealed that mitochondria from the iron-sulfur protein-deficient strain have levels of core protein I, core protein II, and cytochrome c 1 equal to those of wild-type mitochondria; however, a decrease in cytochrome b was evident from both immunoblotting and spectral analysis. Moreover, it is evident from the immunoprecipitates of radiolabeled mitochondria that the amounts of the low-molecular-weight subunits (17, 14, and 11 kDa) are decreased 53, 65, and 50%, respectively, in mitochondria lacking the iron-sulfur protein. These results suggest that the iron-sulfur protein is required for the complete assembly of the low-molecular-weight subunits into the cytochrome b - c 1 Complex.
Exactly soluble models for distortive structural phase transitions

Abstract We examine three exactly soluble models for systems undergoing a structural phase transition. Two models are described by a lattice-dynamic hamiltonian, the phase transition being driven by a spherical constraint in one case and by a long-range anharmonic interaction in the other. Finally, we treat a continuous model based on an effective free energy for the long-wavelength fluctuations of the order-parameter field, which may be obtained by eliminating the other non-critical degrees of freedom. The static critical exponents are those of the spherical Kac model in all three cases, whereas the dynamic critical behaviour strongly depends on the time reversal properties of the underlying equation of motion.
A Method for the Reduction of Lake Model Prediction Error

Abstract Recent work on methods of error analysis to accompany the application of lake models has not enjoyed great acceptance in part because of the magnitude of the error term. For the models that have undergone a rigorous error analysis (generally the single equation cross-sectional regression models), prediction errors for various water quality variables are often ± 30% or more. A procedure is proposed herein for the reduction of the error associated with the prediction of lake phosphorus concentration from land use and hydrologic data. Existing lake quality data are used in the prediction, and the model is employed only to project changes from the present state. This obviates the need to project all land use impacts with the model: only those proposed to change are projected. The result is a substantial reduction in prediction error for many planning scenarios.
Interannual to decadal Gulf Stream variability in an eddy-resolving ocean model

Abstract Meridional shifts of the Gulf Stream (GS) jet on interannual to decadal timescales and the corresponding oceanic changes around the GS are investigated using a near global eddy-resolving ocean model hindcast from 1960 to 2003. The simulated variability in the shifts of the GS jet axis shows good agreement with observations, and lags atmospheric fluctuations characterized by the North Atlantic Oscillation by about 2 years. This lagged response of the GS jet to the atmospheric variations is attributed to the westward propagation of the undulation of the jet axis from 45°W to 75°W, which has a wavelength of about 4000 km and a displacement of 0.5°. The propagation direction and phase speed of about 2.8 cm s −1 are consistent with the thin-jet theory. The shifts of the jet axis in the downstream region are likely induced by wind fluctuations through Ekman convergence over the central North Atlantic. Associated with the northward (southward) shift of the jet axis, sea surface temperature is warming (cooling) around and north of the jet, and the former warming has a deep and meridionally narrow subsurface structure, consistent with the northward shift of the jet. The meridional shifts of the jet accompany coherent meridional shifts of energetic eddy activity regions around the GS. Our numerical results suggest that the GS jet brings the atmospheric signals from the central to the western North Atlantic, and the resultant meridional shift of the jet induces the notable oceanic changes around the GS.
Real-Time Thermodynamic Performance Monitoring and Optimum Thermoeconomic Operation of Power Plants

The ability of modern power plant data acquisition systems to provide a continuous real-time data feed can be exploited to carry out interesting research studies. In the first part of this study, real-time data from a power plant is used to carry out a comprehensive heat balance calculation. The calculation involves application of the first law of thermodynamics to each powerhouse component. Stoichiometric combustion principles are applied to calculate emissions from fossil fuel consuming components. Exergy analysis is carried out for all components by the combined application of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. In the second part of this study, techniques from the field of System Identification and Linear Programming are brought together in finding thermoeconomically optimum plant operating conditions one step ahead in time. This is done by first using autoregressive models to make short-term predictions of plant inputs and outputs. Then, parameter estimation using recursive least squares is used to determine the relations between the predicted inputs and outputs. The estimated parameters are used in setting up a linear programming problem which is solved using the simplex method. The end result is knowledge of thermoeconomically optimum plant inputs and outputs one step ahead in time.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Continuum regulation of the strong-coupling expansion for quantum field theory

We study two continuum methods of regulating the formal strong-coupling expansion of the Green's functions, obtained by expanding the path integral in powers of the kinetic energy (inverse free propagator). Our continuum regulations amount to introducing either a hard ($\ensuremath{\theta}$ function) or soft (Gaussian) cutoff $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ in momentum space. The cutoff takes the place of the usual spatial cutoff, the lattice spacing, which arises when the path integral is defined as the continuum limit of ordinary integrals on a Euclidean space-time lattice. We find, by investigating free field theory and $g{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ field theory in one dimension, that the $\ensuremath{\theta}$-function regulation is more accurate than the Gaussian and, unlike the Gaussian, preserves certain continuum Green's-function identities. The extension to field theories with fermions is trivial and we give the strong-coupling graphical rules for an arbitrary field theory with fermions and bosons in $d$ dimensions.
Patterns of male residency and intergroup transfer in gray-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena).

We describe the movements and fates of 36 collared gray-cheeked male mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) that resided in seven social groups in Kibale National Park, Uganda. The male mangabeys were captured, radiotagged, and then contacted regularly over a period of up to 8 years. Individuals varied considerably in how tightly they were associated with their groups. “Central” males were usually found in close spatial association with their own groups, but they sometimes visited others. “Peripheral” males were often found several hundred meters away from their own groups. Most adult males were characterized by repeated intergroup transfers, manifested as “visits” and “dispersals.” Visits were transfers that did not result in mating. The visits were brief, and ranged from a few minutes to a few days before the male returned to his previous group, moved on to another group, or returned to solitary life. The term “dispersal” refers to a transfer that results in mating, after which the male remains in the new group. Young males began to drift away from their natal groups in early subadulthood, but the timing of first associations with estrous females in other groups was highly variable. Natal dispersers were generally solitary for a month or more, and at least half moved into nonadjacent groups. Secondary dispersal was common. After they immigrated, adult males remained in a group for a median of 19 months before they emigrated again, with the probability of departure being approximately constant in time. Secondary dispersal was usually made into an adjacent group and lasted less than 7 days. Emigration and immigration were not seasonal, and males emigrated singly and apparently independently; however, immigrations were clumped in time, and male dispersal contributed to considerable heterogeneity of group composition. L. albigena dispersal patterns are intermediate between those described for Papio baboons and forest Cercopithecus, and models that predict demographic consequences of dispersal for baboons can be refined to apply to mangabeys. Am. J. Primatol. 66:331–349, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Development of a critical item scale for the depression adjective check lists

A critical item scale for the Depression Adjective Check Lists was developed on two psychiatric patient samples and a college student sample. Items that differentiated the nondepressed from the severely depressed subgroup of a community mental health center were cross-validated in the other two samples. A four-adjective Critical Item Scale thereby was constructed for each list of Set 2 (E, F, G) of the Depression Adjective Check Lists.
Quantum statistics of the gain-narrowed Raman linewidth in H 2

Recent studies have shown that single-shot spectra in stimulated Raman scattering can be much narrower than the quantum-mechanical gain-narrowed linewidth. However, shot-to-shot fluctuations in the single-shot spectra are such that the ensemble average gives the gain-narrowed linewidth. This happens because the mean frequencies of the single-shot spectra fluctuate from shot to shot under the gain-narrowed linewidth, and because some ``noisy'' shots are broadened or display multipeaked spectra. The nature of these quantum-noise-initiated fluctuations will be discussed in this paper, with both numerical and experimental results presented. Noisy, multipeaked, single-shot spectra will be shown to have a broader distribution of mean frequencies than the distribution of near-Fourier-transform-limited spectra.
The Problem of the History of Religion in America

Half a year before this paper was read before a plenary session of the American Academy of Religion (26 October 1969), the program committee had requested an essay dealing in some comprehensive way with the field of American religious history. Because I would in any case have to be thinking about the introduction to my own “religious history of the American people,” I agreed.The title was sufficiently broad; and goodness knows the problems of this subject area are sufficiently large. 1 Aside from innumerable large and small questions of fact there are the countless questions of emphasis and interpretation, not to mention the problem of discerning an overarching theme. I also confess great sympathy with Max Lerner's comment on the ten years he spent on America as a Civilization (1957). “I found when I came to the end of the decade,” he said, “that a number of things I had written about America were no longer valid. The American civilization had been changing drastically right under my fingertips as I was writing about it.” 2 The present-day historian's predicament is, if anything, more difficult than Lerner's in that the sixties, by contrast with the fifties, have experienced a veritable earthquake of revisionism which has profoundly altered our interpretation of the entire course of American history. By reason of its screaming moral dilemmas, moreover, the decade had an especially rude impact on long accepted views of religious history. But enough of this: let us consider the substantive questions.
Optimized transmitter diversity systems in Rice fading channels

Transmitter diversity can achieve diversity gain at the receiver with performance equivalent to that of receiver diversity. Earlier works have studied optimizing (minimizing bit error probability) the performance of transmitter over diversity systems in Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading channels. In this paper we optimize the performance of transmitter diversity systems in a Rician fading channel. The effect of imperfect fading parameter and channel gain estimation on the performance of such systems is also discussed. A simple closed form solution exists for the Nakagami-m case and we choose to approximate the Rice distribution with the Nakagami-m distribution and study its impact on the optimum power loading algorithm since numerical evaluation of the optimum power loading algorithm for Rice fading is slightly more cumbersome for "real-time" applications.
Managing the Work-Nonwork Boundary: An Assessment of Organizational Responses

Three types of organizational responses to nonwork were identified according to orientations toward the work-nonwork relationship and toward the employer-worker relationship. The attitudes and experiences of 221 managers active in multiple domains were used to assess the effectiveness of the types. The type that enhanced the flexibility of the work-nonwork boundary, and involved the employer providing resources for workers to fulfill nonwork responsibilities themselves, proved most effective. This framework serves to shift the thinking about work-nonwork programs from a practice-by-practice focus to a more strategic level.
Exploring the bases for a mixed reality stroke rehabilitation system, Part II: Design of Interactive Feedback for upper limb rehabilitation

Background Few existing interactive rehabilitation systems can effectively communicate multiple aspects of movement performance simultaneously, in a manner that appropriately adapts across various training scenarios. In order to address the need for such systems within stroke rehabilitation training, a unified approach for designing interactive systems for upper limb rehabilitation of stroke survivors has been developed and applied for the implementation of an Adaptive Mixed Reality Rehabilitation (AMRR) System.
Visual conflict and cognitive load modify postural responses to vibrotactile noise

Underlying the increased incidence of falls during multitasking is a reduced ability to detect or attend to the sensory information signaling postural instability. Adding noise to a biological system has been shown to enhance the detection and transmission of weakened or sub-threshold cutaneous signals. If stochastic resonance is to become an effective adjunct to rehabilitation, we need to determine whether vibrotactile noise can be effective when added to an environment presenting with other sensory noise. Sub-threshold vibration noise was applied for 30 sec at the soles of the feet in 21 healthy adults (20–29 yrs) between two 30-sec periods of no vibration. During the trials, subjects stood quietly with eyes closed or while viewing a visual scene that rotated in continuous upward pitch at 30 deg/sec. Subjects were also tested with these two visual conditions while performing a mental calculation task. It was hypothesized that sub-threshold vibration would increase regularity of postural sway, thereby improving postural stabilization during an attention demanding task but exerting less effect with multiple sensory demands. An ellipse fit to the covariance matrix revealed excursion of center of pressure (COP) and center of mass (COM) responses in the anterior-posterior and lateral planes. RMS values and approximate entropy of the COP and COM were calculated and statistically compared. The addition of vibrotactile noise to the plantar surface during quiet stance with eyes closed reduced the area of the COM and COP responses, which then returned to pre-vibration levels after vibration was removed. Postural sway was generally increased with both visual field rotations and mental calculation compared to the eyes closed condition. The effect of sub-threshold vibratory noise on postural behavior was modified when visual field rotations and mental calculation was combined. It was shown that the measure of approximate entropy reflected increased task complexity. Our results suggest that the impact of destabilizing signals is modulated when combined with vibrotactile stimulation. The strong aftereffects of the vibration stimulus suggest that the system has adapted to the sensory array even in the short time period tested here. The results imply that application of vibrotactile stimulation has the potential for diminishing sway magnitudes while increasing the potential for response variability, thereby presenting a non-invasive method of reducing the potential for falls.
Electronic information resources in marine science information centers

Provides an overview of electronic and Internet resources with an emphasis on marine science information centers. The relationship between electronic and paper-based materials is explained and the reader is introduced to modern state-of-the-art libraries. The primary Internet tools used to bring information from remote sites directly to the library or the user's terminal are described. Finally, a list of oceanographic, ocean engineering and marine science centers that can be accessed by electronic means is presented.
Development of a Colon Cancer GEMM-Derived Orthotopic Transplant Model for Drug Discovery and Validation

Purpose: Effective therapies for KRAS -mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) are a critical unmet clinical need. Previously, we described genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) for sporadic Kras -mutant and non-mutant CRC suitable for preclinical evaluation of experimental therapeutics. To accelerate drug discovery and validation, we sought to derive low-passage cell lines from GEMM Kras -mutant and wild-type tumors for in vitro screening and transplantation into the native colonic environment of immunocompetent mice for in vivo validation. Experimental Design: Cell lines were derived from Kras -mutant and non-mutant GEMM tumors under defined media conditions. Growth kinetics, phosphoproteomes, transcriptomes, drug sensitivity, and metabolism were examined. Cell lines were implanted in mice and monitored for in vivo tumor analysis. Results: Kras -mutant cell lines displayed increased proliferation, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and phosphoinositide-3 kinase signaling. Microarray analysis identified significant overlap with human CRC-related gene signatures, including KRAS -mutant and metastatic CRC. Further analyses revealed enrichment for numerous disease-relevant biologic pathways, including glucose metabolism. Functional assessment in vitro and in vivo validated this finding and highlighted the dependence of Kras -mutant CRC on oncogenic signaling and on aerobic glycolysis. Conclusions: We have successfully characterized a novel GEMM-derived orthotopic transplant model of human KRAS -mutant CRC. This approach combines in vitro screening capability using low-passage cell lines that recapitulate human CRC and potential for rapid in vivo validation using cell line-derived tumors that develop in the colonic microenvironment of immunocompetent animals. Taken together, this platform is a clear advancement in preclinical CRC models for comprehensive drug discovery and validation efforts. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2929–40. ©2013 AACR .
UHF far-field wireless power transfer for remotely powering wireless sensors

A far-field wireless power transfer system is proposed for supplying power to remote wireless sensors. The system is mainly composed of two devices: a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver. The wireless power transmitter emits 4 W of power into a directional antenna. The wireless power receiver utilizes a bi-quad antenna and L-matching network for efficient power rectification. The System is able to recover 3.3 V at a distance of 110 ft.
Experimental and numerical simulations of prestressed Self-Consolidating-Concrete structures subjected to non-linear deformations

This paper presents experimental and numerical simulations for investigating the flexural behaviour of five prestressed Self-Consolidating-Concrete (SCC) members subjected to non-linear deformations. In this study, flowable and non-segregating SCC was used for relief of steel congestion among the prestressed concrete members. The members consisted of four reduced-scale beams with and without steel fibres, and a full-scale Type-II AASHTO bridge girder. A total of four three-point and one four-point loading tests were performed in laboratory conditions and simulated using non-linear 2D and 3D finite element analyses. The investigation results provided a quantitative measure of the reliability of the implemented theoretical models.
Improving the performance of microstrip-patch antennas

This paper describes a cavity-backed patch-antenna geometry, which features multiple dielectric layers and shorting posts. These features are exploited to design antennas which retain many of the desirable characteristics of conventional microstrip antennas, yet overcome some of their inherent disadvantages.
Structure-Based Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Reverse Transcriptase Mutants with Altered Intracellular Direct-Repeat Deletion Frequencies

Template switching rates of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase mutants were tested using a retroviral vector-based direct-repeat deletion assay. The reverse transcriptase mutants contained alterations in residues that modeling of substrates into the catalytic core had suggested might affect interactions with primer and/or template strands. As assessed by the frequency of functional lacZ gene generation from vectors in which lacZ was disrupted by insertion of a sequence duplication, the frequency of template switching varied more than threefold among fully replication-competent mutants. Some mutants displayed deletion rates that were lower and others displayed rates that were higher than that of wild-type virus. Replication for the mutants with the most significant alterations in template switching frequencies was similar to that of the wild type. These data suggest that reverse transcriptase template switching rates can be altered significantly without destroying normal replication functions.
Regulation of mesangial cell Na+/Ca2+ exchanger isoforms.

An isoform of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (SDNCX1.10) was cloned from mesangial cells of Sprague–Dawley rat. Regulation of this isoform was compared to two other clones that were derived from the Dahl/Rapp salt sensitive (SNCX) and salt resistant rat (RNCX). All isoforms differ at the alternative splice site and at amino acid 218 for SNCX. PKC activates RNCX but not SNCX while SDNCX1.10 was also activated by PKC. Regulation of exchanger activities by intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), pH, and kinases was assessed using Na-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake assays in OK-PTH cells expressing the vector, RNCX, SNCX, or SDNCX1.10. [Ca2+]i was elevated from 50 to 125 nM (n = 4) with thapsigargin (40 nM) and reduced from 50 to 29 nM (n = 4) and 18 nM (n = 4) with 10 or 20 μM BAPTA, respectively. RNCX was active at all three [Ca2+]i while SNCX and SDNCX1.10 were only active at lower [Ca2+]i. Varying extracellular pH (pHe, without nigericin) or pHe and intracellular pH (pHi, with 10 μM nigericin) from pH 7.4 to 6.2, 6.8, or 8.0 showed that SNCX activity was attenuated at both low and high pHs. SDNCX1.10 activity was attenuated only at pH 6.2 and 6.8 (with or without nigericin) while RNCX activity was attenuated at pH 6.2 (with or without nigericin) and pH 6.8 (with nigericin). Finally, only SDNCX1.10 activity was stimulated by 250 μM CPT-cAMP or 250 μM DB-cGMP treatment. Thus the differential regulation of [Ca2+]i by these exchangers is dependent upon the pattern of cellular Na+/Ca2+ exchanger isoform expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 199: 181–193, 2004© 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computer aided coordination of directional relays: determination of break points

The directional overcurrent and distance relays of a multiloop network must be set in a sequence to ensure coordination. The starting points of the sequence are called break points. An algorithm to determine the minimum number of break points is presented. It can be readily implemented on a computer and forms a basic component of a computer-aided-design package for a protective system. >
The Evolution of Social Capital and Civic Engagement Between Nonprofit Networks and County Representatives

The concept of social capital continues to underline contemporary debate regarding the extent to which shared values, ideas, norms, and culture shape the kind of political and administrative efficacy that enhances collective action, democracy, and effectiveness in public service delivery. This study attempts to identify the relevance of civic engagement and information, communications, and technology (ICT)-induced networking in the development of social capital among local county commissioners and nonprofit leaders in the state of Alabama. Results drawn from a series of analyses indicate that county commissioners are more likely to rely on interpersonal networking to getting things done, as opposed to relying on ICT-induced networking, which is more characteristic of leaders of nonprofit organizations. Although the findings also suggest that both county commissioners and nonprofit leaders have similar preferences regarding key indicators of social capital, the mechanisms by which it evolves is different in both institutional frameworks. From a policy perspective, the propositions offered here also provide a useful model that could be replicated in other state and local government scenarios.
Guideline-Recommended Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Is a Poor Predictor of Health-care Use Among Inner-city Children and Adolescents Receiving Usual Asthma Care

Background American Thoracic Society guidelines support using fractional exhaled nitric oxide (Feno) measurements in patients with asthma and highlight gaps in the evidence base. Little is known about the use of Feno levels to predict asthma exacerbations among high-risk, urban, minority populations receiving usual care. Methods Children with persistent asthma (n = 138) were enrolled in a prospective, observational cohort study and skin tested at baseline (a wheal ≥ 3 mm indicated a positive skin-prick test). Feno levels, lung function, and asthma-related health-care use were assessed at baseline and every 3 months thereafter for 1 year. Relationships between Feno levels and health-care use in the subsequent 3 months were examined. Final models accounted for repeated outcome measures and were adjusted for age, sex, and lung function. Results The mean age of the children was 11 years (range, 5-17 years), and most were male (57%), black (91%), and atopic (90%). At baseline, the median Feno level was 31.5 parts per billion (interquartile range, 16-61 ppb) and mean FEV1/FVC was 80.7% (SD, ± 9.6%). There were 237 acute asthma-related health-care visits, 105 unscheduled doctor visits, 125 ED visits, and seven hospitalizations during the follow-up period. Feno level was not a significant predictor of acute visits, ED visits, unscheduled doctor visits, or hospitalization in either unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Use of recommended cut points did not improve the predictive value of the Feno level (positive predictive value, 0.6%-32.8%) nor did application of the guideline-based algorithm to assess change over time. Conclusions Feno level may not be a clinically useful predictor of health-care use for asthma exacerbations in urban minority children with asthma.
A Test of Tiffany's Cognitive Model of Drug Urges and Drug-Use Behavior

Tiffany's (1990) cognitive model proposes that drug urges and drug use result from distinct (i.e., controlled versus automatic) cognitive processes. This study tested Tiffany's cognitive model utilizing innovative methods derived from the Multiple Resource Theory of cognitive psychology. Forty-two male and 42 female heavy drinking college students were assigned to 1 of 6 groups in two separate 1 (task) x 3 (treatment) factorial experiments in which half the subjects performed a math task while the other half performed a tracking task. Subjects received 1 of 3 treatments: Urge generation, "Drug" (Placebo) Consumption, or a Water control. The predictions were that urges would interfere with performance on the math task, and "drug" consumption would interfere with performance on the tracking task. The main dependent variables were measures of task performance. The results of this study do not clearly support the model; however, several suggestions for future tests of the cognitive model are discussed. Our findings highlight both the difficulty in testing the model, as well as opportunities for further integration of cognitive psychology and behavioral approaches to addictions.
The status of healthcare standards in the United States

Healthcare standards in the US are produced by six standard developers organizations: ACR/NEMA, ASC X12N, ASTM, HL7, IEEE, and NCPDP. The activities of these groups are coordinated through the ANSI HISPP. While considerable progress has been made in the area of data interchange standards, little progress has been made in the area of vocabulary standards.
Towards universal code generator generation

One of the most difficult tasks a compiler writer faces is the construction of the code generator. The code generator is that part of the compiler that translates compiler intermediate representation (IR) into instructions for a target machine. Unfortunately, implementing a code generator "by hand" is a difficult, time consuming, and error prone task. The details of both the IR and target instruction set must be carefully considered in order to generate correct and efficient code. This, in turn, requires an expert in both the compiler internals as well as the target machine. Even an expert, however, can produce a code generator that is difficult to verify and debug. In this paper we present a universal approach for automating the construction of correct code generators. In particular, we show that both the compiler IR and target instruction set semantics can be described by a machine description language and leveraged by a heuristic search procedure to derive code generator patterns. We then utilize formal methods to determine if the IR and target sequence pairs that make up these patterns are semantically equivalent.
A Comparison of Optimality Measures for Estimating Untyped SNP Using the Allele Frequencies of Neighboring SNPs

The allele frequencies of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are important summary information in case-control Genome Wide Association Studies (GWASs) for computing test statistics and allelic odds ratios, which are used to identify significant SNPs or for meta-analysis. Due to the limitation of time and cost, a large fraction of the known SNPs are not genotyped in the current genotyping platforms used in most of the GWASs. Imputation methods of untyped SNPs based on the individual level of genotyped data are powerful tools. However, these methods are computationally expensive and cannot work in cases where only the summary level information, such as the allele frequency is available. In this study, we propose an approach of imputing the allele frequency of untyped SNPs in the sample using only the allele frequency of the most informative pair of SNPs. We apply and compare five information measures as multilocus information measures to determine the most informative pair of SNPs to impute the allele frequency of untyped SNPs. Our approach is simple, yet highly accurate in estimating the allele frequency of untyped SNPs.
Reactive Scheduling of a Flexible Manufacturing Cell

Abstract Our main purposes with this work are to study the performance of the scheduling system on a Flexible Machining Cell (FMC) cell and to gain insight for more general situations. Its also our intention to identify the constraints which play a major role in the context of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs). The scheduler described in this paper uses Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) techniques such as dependency directed backtracking, unary and binary classification of constraints, for the task of scheduling the FMS. Special importance has been given to the representation so that the constraints and algorithm used in this context can be easily applied to other manufacturing cells. The possibility of changes while scheduling is also consider and reactive techniques in the form of backtracking are used in order to avoid having to schedule from scratch every time a change in either the state or the model comes up.
Energizing an Ecosystem: Brewing 1 Million Cups

In April 2012, Kauffman Labs launched the 1 Million Cups (1MC) program in Kansas City, Missouri, a weekly event for entrepreneurs that showcases presentations from early-stage startups. From initial attendance of about a dozen people in April 2012, the event had, eight months later, reached more than 200 attendees per week. It also has expanded to other cities, including St. Louis, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Houston, and Reno, with further expansions currently in development. As a way to track the evolution of this emerging program and the entrepreneurial community it represents, we surveyed attendees in November 2012. Our findings provide insight into how an entrepreneurial network grows and develops, and underscore the need for continued data collection.We present these findings in the spirit of 1MC itself: as exploratory, not definitive. This is the first of many surveys that will be conducted, and we fully expect that the findings will evolve along with the program itself.
Family Planning: A Comparison of India and China

In the late half of the twentieth century, in response to a perceived danger of “population explosion,” many countries sought to control domestic population. Family planning programs were widely used in a number of countries, including India and China, the top two most populous countries in contemporary world. This paper compares family planning policies and practices in India and China since the mid twentieth century. It reveals that China’s family planning has been more coercive, and arguably more “effective” in reducing fertility rate than that of India. At the same time, the coercive measures produced a number of “unintended” negative consequences, including severe human rights violations. The paper proposes that governments should not resort to coercive measures as long as non-coercive measures are available to reduce fertility rates.
High-quality Bowel Preparation Is Required for Detection of Sessile Serrated Polyps

Background & Aims The effect of bowel preparation quality has been well-characterized for detection of adenomas but not for detection of sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSPs). We performed a prospective study to determine proportions of patients in whom SSPs were detected at different levels of bowel preparation quality, using common validated scoring systems. Methods Our study enrolled 749 male veterans 50–75 years old undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy. Proportions of patients in whom SSP were detected were calculated for each level of preparation quality based on the Aronchick scale (poor = low quality, fair = intermediate quality, and good or excellent = high quality) and the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS; scores of 0–3 for right, transverse, and left colon segments). We compared SSP detection among different levels of preparation quality using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for age, indication, and endoscopist. Our primary hypothesis was that SSP detection would not be significantly lower with intermediate-quality than with high-quality preparations. Results SSPs were detected in a significantly smaller proportion of patients with intermediate-quality preparation than high-quality preparation, for the entire colon (4.6% vs 12.0%; odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15–0.87) and right colon (1.5% vs 7.9%; OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05–0.81). SSPs were detected in smaller proportions of patients with total colon BBPS scores Conclusions Any bowel preparation quality below high quality is associated with a significant decrease in the detection of SSPs. Although intermediate-quality preparation and BBPS segment scores of 2 seem to be adequate for detection of adenomas, these levels of preparation quality may not be adequate for detection of SSPs.
Silica External Cavity Array Transmitters with High Wavelength Accuracy

Directly-modulated semiconductor diode lasers are ideal sources for digital data communications, but sources for wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) have additional stringent requirements on wavelength. The most obvious of these requirements is wavelength accuracy upon manufacture. Maintaining the wavelength stability over life may be even harder to ensure. Also, the dynamic properties of the laser frequency, both in terms of high-speed chirp and low-speed thermal drift, need to be guaranteed.
Abstract A83: The role of Ikaros in effector and regulatory T cell homeostasis in a murine pancreatic cancer model

The alternatively spliced transcription factor Ikaros is crucial for normal lymphocyte development. Ikaros plays a role as a tumor suppressor in murine T cells. In pancreatic cancer hosts, the balance between effector and regulatory T cells is lost, leading to immunosuppression and reduced anti-tumor immunity. In this study, we aim to identify the role of Ikaros in regulating effector CD4+ and CD8+ and regulatory T cell homeostasis in a pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Using our murine heterotopic model of pancreatic cancer, we isolated splenocytes from tumor-bearing (TB) and control mice and performed western blot and qRT-PCR analyses to evaluate Ikaros mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Flow cytometry analyses were also used to immunophenotype T cell populations in splenocytes from control and TB mice. Next, magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) was used to sort CD3+ T cells from TB and control splenocytes for western blot analyses of Ikaros expression. We also carried out in vitro and in vivo experiments using apigenin, a plant flavonoid and protein kinase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-proliferative properties, to shed insight into how Ikaros may be regulated and its involvement in T cell development. Our results showed no difference in Ikaros mRNA expression but reduced expression of all Ikaros isoforms in splenocytes from TB mice compared with controls. Ikaros protein expression was also downregulated in sorted TB T cells, compared with control. Analyses of T cells by flow cytometry revealed a significant decrease in effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cell percentages but an increase in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in TB splenocytes compared with controls. In vitro, treatment of splenocytes with apigenin stabilized Ikaros9 protein expression. In the presence of Panc02 cells, Ikaros protein expression was downregulated. However, the addition of apigenin to the co-culture blocked this downregulation. These correlated with in vivo findings that showed partial reversal of some Ikaros isoforms in TB mice treated with apigenin. Apigenin treatment also significantly increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell percentages but decreased Treg percentages. We are currently performing experiments to determine how Ikaros may be regulated in T cells and its effect on their functions. Thus far, our findings suggest that PC progression is associated with reduced Ikaros expression, which may lead to loss of T cell homeostasis and thus, dampened anti-tumor immune responses. Citation Format: Nadine Nelson, Shengyan Xiang, Xiaohong Zhang, Karoly Szekeres, Ghansah Tomar. The role of Ikaros in effector and regulatory T cell homeostasis in a murine pancreatic cancer model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy: A New Chapter; December 1-4, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2015;3(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A83.
Study on Coordinated Industrialization,Urbanization and Agricultural Modernization during Construction of Central Economic Region

The construction of central economic region has to lead a path to coordinate industrialization,urbanization and agricultural modernization,i.e.‘Three Changes’.The essay analyzed the key links and main symbols during the coordination of ‘Three Changes’.Accordingly,the article diagnosed several problems in coordination of ‘Three Changes’ and then proposed measures to deal with them.
The biochemical basis for the modulation of allergic reactions by drugs.

Some current ideas about pharmacologic approaches to management of the clinical hypersensitive states are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of drug action to tissue level of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, two substances of great importance in control of cell function.