cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential for Human Illness from Animal Transmission or Food‐Borne Pathogens

Theoretically, human illness could result accidentally in a biological attack aimed at domestic livestock, or as the intended outcome of a bioterrorist utilizing animal species, food, or foodstuffs to specifically target human populations. The number and diversity of agents, modes of transmission, disease ecologies, and illnesses and outcomes form a vast zoonotic and food-borne disease “threat space” against which we must defend. In this brief resume, we describe the diversity of zoonotic and food-borne threats and observe that most of these remain poorly characterized from an analytical viewpoint. Options for control exist for many of these diseases, but often the options are problematic. Significant gaps exist in terms of prophylactic and therapeutic agents for the majority of these diseases. Methodologies exist that can be applied to identify and analyze potential public health prevention and response strategies and to guide future research. Although programmatic opportunities exist for pursuing such research, much remains to be done. Keywords: human disease; zoonotic disease; animal disease; food-borne disease; virus; bacteria; pathogen; toxin; bioterrorism; agroterrorism
Reconfiguration of Faulty Hypercubes

The problem of tolerating faulty nodes in hypercubes has been studied by many researchers either by using spares or by reconfiguration. In this paper, an algorithm for tolerating faulty nodes in hypercubes is presented. The algorithm is based on using general spanning trees for reconfiguring the hypercube to avoid faulty nodes. The algorithm contains two phases: the first phase involves the construction of the spanning tree, and the second one is for reconfiguring the hypercube should a faulty node be detected. The reconfiguration process introduced consists of two basic steps. First, the faulty node is disconnected from the spanning tree. Then, a new spanning tree is constructed by reconnecting the children of the faulty node to the spanning tree. This paper deals with reconfiguring faulty hypercubes; however, the same algorithm can be generalized to work for reconfiguration of multicomputer networks in general in the presence of faults. Single fault coverage of 100% and almost 100% fault coverage of double and triple faults are achieved by the proposed algorithm, with no extra-dilation for hypercubes having a dimension of n≥ 10. Simulation results for the algorithm under more than three faults also are presented. Fault coverage and congestion results for up to 60 faults having different cube sizes are discussed.
Role of bcl-2 in Growth Factor Triggered Signal Transduction

The role of bcl -2 in the signal transduction pathway was assessed by studying the inositol phospholipid metabolism in fibroblasts transfected by this oncogene. The rate of accumulation of water soluble inositol phosphates in response to several growth factors was much higher in bcl -2 transfected NIH3T3 clones than in untransfected control. Moreover, bcl -2 transfected clones express elevated levels of phosphatidic acid, a phospholipid produced during receptor stimulated breakdown of phosphoinositides. Our findings suggest that the expression of bcl -2 in NIH3T3 fibroblasts leads to the coupling of growth factor receptors to stimulate inositol phosphate production, henceforth establishing its role in the growth factor receptor mediated signal transduction pathway.
The Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Report of two cases in monozygous Philippino-American twins

Abstract Two examples of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are presented in monozygous Philippino-American twins from apparently unaffected parents. Both children manifested hyperelastic velvety skin, hyperextensible joints, papyraceous scars, flat feet and ectopic bone formation. Since the pattern of transmission of this disorder is so variable, and the gene so pleiotropic, one may predict that the condition will appear in every population group.
Lack of in vitro-in vivo correlation of a novel investigational anticancer agent, SH 30.

In solid tumors, the reasons for the lack of in vitro andin vivo correlation of drugactivities are multifold and includespermeability to the tumor cells,interstitial hypertension and metabolicdegradation. So, it is important to studythe permeability and metabolic dispositionof new compounds early in discovery anddevelopment of anticancer drugs. Anexperimental anti-cancer drug, SH 30demonstrated highly selective and potentcytotoxic activity against a number ofmulti-drug resistant tumor cell lines in vitro. However, it was inactive in amurine tumor model. This study wasconducted to identify the barriers thatresult in lack of correlation between in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicactivity of novel anticancer agents. Twoimportant barriers: physical(permeability) and metabolic (enzymaticinactivation) to poor delivery of SH 30 tosolid tumors were investigated in thisstudy. Tumors were sliced to separate thevascular and avascular sections. Theconcentrations of the drug at variousregions of the tumor after single andmultiple doses were investigated todetermine the permeability barrier. Thepermeability barrier was also probed usingtwo in vitro model systems, namely,matrigel® films representing extracellularmatrix and caco-2 multilayer cell culturesthat simulate solid tumors. The drug andits metabolite concentrations weredetermined in the plasma and tumors todetermine the metabolic barrier to the drugcytotoxic action. The metabolic barrierwas further probed using in vitromouse hepatocytes and liver microsomepreparations. Our examination revealed themetabolic barrier to be the majorcontributor to the ineffectiveness of SH 30in vivo. Examination ofconcentration of the drug across variousregions of the tumor corroborated by datafrom in vitro permeation studiessuggested that, for SH 30, permeabilitybarrier did not exist. After singleinjection, the concentrations of SH 30 andits metabolites in plasma and tumor werecomparable to another investigational drugwith similar features (XK 469). Contraryto day 1, after 8 consecutive days ofadministration, SH 30 concentrations weresignificantly lower, while the metabolitesconcentrations were higher, suggestingextensive metabolism due to induction ofenzyme(s). The in vitro hepatocytesand liver microsome results also showed SH30 biotransformation to the samemetabolites. Neither drug penetration, nordrug distribution into regions of thetumors distal to vasculature were impeded. The inactivity of SH 30 in vivo isprimarily due to induction of extensivemetabolism to inactive metabolites. Thismetabolism prevents adequate drug levelsbeing achieved in the tumor.
Towards scalable fabrication of ultrasmooth and porous thin carbon films

Abstract In this study, we demonstrated that carbon films with nanoscale roughness and controllable thickness can be produced by high temperature treatment of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) film fabricated through dip-coating from 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) solution. Specifically, ultrasmooth (root mean squared average roughness between 1 and 3 nm), crack-free carbon films were produced. In our procedure, the PAN films were first deposited onto a silicon wafer by conventional dip-coating process. Next, the films were stabilized at 230 °C in air and then carbonized at 1000 °C in an inert atmosphere. Raman spectroscopy indicated that after carbonization the films with ordered graphite structure as well as disordered phase were obtained. The same basic procedure was used to form porous carbon films with tunable porous structures when PAN and polyethylene oxide (PEO) blend was used instead of PAN only. In PAN/PEO blended films, PEO functioned as the pore initiation agent and resulted in carbon films whose pore diameter could be varied from hundreds of nanometers to micrometers. The carbon films (solid and porous) obtained in this study exhibit relatively high electrical conductivity. We expect that the method reported here can be employed for scalable manufacturing of ultrasmooth as well as porous carbon films.
Design and implementation of FPGA router for efficient utilization of heterogeneous routing resources

The routing resources available in recent FPGA architectures (e.g., Xilinx Virtex-II) are very different from the older generation of FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx XC4000). The latest FPGA architectures have heterogeneous routing resources which include directly driven wires of different lengths and connectivity. Since routing resources in FPGAs are fixed, it is very important for the routing algorithms to fully exploit the potential of new routing architectures. FPGA routing architectures are usually represented as a routing resource graph (RRG). In this paper we present a simplified scheme to build the RRG for FPGA architectures with heterogeneous routing resources. Using our RRG construction scheme we have built a mutability driven FPGA router named "Bison". We also present two dynamic weight update based heuristics which we have incorporated into the router, so that efficient utilization of routing resources can be achieved.
Second Generation Parenting

Abstract A review of the scholarly literature indicates that the number of grandparents who are second generation parents (e.g., raising their grandchildren) has increased dramatically. These grandparents often return to parenting with a variety of financial and physical health issues that need to be addressed within the context of their caregiving role. The current study is a secondary data analysis of a sample of grandparent caregivers that received TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) using data from a larger study conducted on welfare reform. The research is primarily descriptive, providing a summary of these grandparents' functioning. Findings and implications for understanding the experience of grandparent caregivers are presented.
Role of AKAP79/150 Protein in β1-Adrenergic Receptor Trafficking and Signaling in Mammalian Cells

Protein kinase A-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) participate in the formation of macromolecular signaling complexes that include protein kinases, ion channels, effector enzymes, and G-protein-coupled receptors. We examined the role of AKAP79/150 (AKAP5) in trafficking and signaling of the β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR). shRNA-mediated down-regulation of AKAP5 in HEK-293 cells inhibited the recycling of the β1-AR. Recycling of the β1-AR in AKAP5 knockdown cells was rescued by shRNA-resistant AKAP5. However, truncated mutants of AKAP5 with deletions in the domains involved in membrane targeting or in binding to calcineurin or PKA failed to restore the recycling of the β1-AR, indicating that full-length AKAP5 was required. Furthermore, recycling of the β1-AR in rat neonatal cardiac myocytes was dependent on targeting the AKAP5-PKA complex to the C-terminal tail of the β1-AR. To analyze the role of AKAP5 more directly, recycling of the β1-AR was determined in ventricular myocytes from AKAP5−/− mice. In AKAP5−/− myocytes, the agonist-internalized β1-AR did not recycle, except when full-length AKAP5 was reintroduced. These data indicate that AKAP5 exerted specific and profound effects on β1-AR recycling in mammalian cells. Biochemical or real time FRET-based imaging of cyclic AMP revealed that deletion of AKAP5 sensitized the cardiac β1-AR signaling pathway to isoproterenol. Moreover, isoproterenol-mediated increase in contraction rate, surface area, or expression of β-myosin heavy chains was significantly greater in AKAP5−/− myocytes than in AKAP5+/+ myocytes. These results indicate a significant role for the AKAP5 scaffold in signaling and trafficking of the β1-AR in cardiac myocytes and mammalian cells.
Multi-channel assignment for heterogeneous wireless mesh networks

Multi-channel assignment schemes have recently been proposed to improve the network throughput of multi-hop wireless mesh networks (WMNs). In these schemes, channel coordination is done either through time synchronization across all the nodes, or through the use of a dedicated channel for the transmission of necessary control messages. Either way, excessive system overhead or waste of bandwidth resource becomes inevitable and undermines the overall network throughput. To resolve these problems, we consider the heterogeneity in large-scale networks and propose a synchronization-free, hybrid temporal-spatial multi-channel assignment scheme. The gateway is allowed to switch its radios to all the available channels sequentially in a round-robin fashion. This temporal channel assignment approach ensures that all the neighboring nodes that communicate with the gateway directly shall have a fair access to the gateway. The channel assignment for the remaining wireless nodes is based on the geographical location and channel/radio availability (a spatial approach) to avoid the interface during the transmission period. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed scheme can improve the network throughput substantially with the acceptable collision ratio.
Treatment of Acute Hyperthermia Crises

Early recognition is vital for the successful treatment of malignant hyperthermia. To this end routine monitoring of all patients undergoing anaesthesia must include: heart rate, blood pressure (preferably by electronic blood pressure cuff or direct arterial line), electrocardiogram, tidal volume, airway pressure, respiratory rate, end tidal carbon dioxide analysis, pulse oximeter, airway oxygen monitor, and body temperature. Once malignant hyperthermia is suspected, even remotely, therapy for this condition must be begun immediately. Appropriate treatment for malignant hyperthermia includes: stop all triggering agents instantly; infuse dantrolene 1.0 mg/kg/minute until temperature, muscle tone and heart decline into the normal range, change to a “clean” gas machine which has not previously been contaminated with lipid soluble potent inhalational agents; hyperventilate the patient with 100% oxygen; correct the metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate; lower an early elevated serum potassium with a mixture of regular insulin in 50% glucose and raise a later low serum potassium with infusions of potassium chloride; prevent acute renal failure by administering furosemide and mannitol; and if the temperature is significantly elevated cool the patient by surface cooling, cold intravenous solutions and lavage of stomach, bladder, rectum and peritoneal and thoracic cavities.
Comparison and usefulness of cardiac magnetic resonance versus computed tomography in infants six months of age or younger with aortic arch anomalies without deep sedation or anesthesia.

The present project investigated whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) of aortic arch anomalies can be performed successfully in infants
Chemical theory of dislocation mobility

Abstract Crystal dislocations were invented (circa. 1930) to explain why pure metal crystals are soft compared with homogeneous shear strengths calculated from atomic theory. They do this very well. However, later (circa. 1945) it was found that pure semiconductor crystals (e.g., Ge and Si) have hardnesses at room temperature comparable with calculated homogeneous shear strengths. Furthermore, it was known that pure metal–metalloid crystals (e.g., TiC and WC) are very hard, although they conduct electricity like metals. How can these differences be explained? The differences just outlined cannot be explained by means of a classical mechanical model. However, they can be explained by considering the chemical bonding in differing solid crystals. In particular, hardness depends on the degree of localization of the valence (bonding) electrons. Qualitatively, this is a very old idea. What is new is that it is possible to provide quantitative theories by using the results of quantum chemistry, and relatively simple analysis. Selected sets of crystal types must be treated, of course, just as selected sets of molecules are treated in theoretical chemistry. Otherwise the rationalization becomes unmanageable.
Agents, grids, and middleware

Agents, grids, and middleware are more closely related. We develop software architecture for two software projects: one involves infrastructure for distributed, pervasive computing; the other involves partitioning huge data sets across data grids consisting of thousands of PCs. On the surface, these projects seem very different, but there are similarities and lessons we can learn from comparing them that have implications for agents, grids, Web services, pervasive computing, and middleware.
Oral bioavailability of vancomycin solid-state emulsions

Abstract Vancomycin was incorporated within water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsions prepared from solid-state emulsions. Vancomycin, which is not normally orally absorbed, was significantly absorbed, i.e., 30% ± 0.56 (SE) after 36 h in rats ( N = 3). The vancomycin concentration-time profile indicated that sustained release of vancomycin was very reproducible. Vancomycin was detected in serum by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (TDx, Abbott).
When time is money: The effect of hourly payment on the evaluation of time

Abstract Empirical research shows decisions about time are often made differently than decisions about money, belying the oft-quoted maxim that “time is money”. However, there are organizational practices such as payment on the basis of time that can make the equivalence of time and money salient and are associated with an economic evaluation of time. Study 1 showed that people paid by the hour applied mental accounting rules to time that are typically only applied to money. Using data from a nationally representative survey, Study 2 documented that people paid by the hour weighed economic returns more strongly in making tradeoffs between time and money. Study 3 showed that participants’ prior exposure to hourly payment was associated with a greater willingness to trade more time for money and that participants randomly assigned to calculate their hourly wage rate expressed greater willingness to trade more time for money. The interaction of prior experience with whether or not participants calculated an hourly wage in predicting participants’ willingness to trade more time for money was fully mediated by the salience of economic criteria in participants’ decision-making.
Single or multiple pulses in the use of the pulsed dye laser for the treatment of port-wine stains

The pulsed dye laser was developed for the treatment of vascular cutaneous lesions using single non-overlapping pulses. However, in practice, overlap and multiple pulses to the same site are commonly used. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of single vs two, three and five pulses to the same site on penetration depth of the laser beam and vascular selectivity. Two albino pigs were treated with a 577 nm, 450μs, 3 mm-diameter pulsed dye laser. The effect of multiple pulses to the same site over a range of fluences was analysed histologically from biopsies acquired immediately and at 1 and 4 days after laser irradiation. The results show that multiple pulses to the same site do not increase the penetration depth (maximum depth from the dermo-epidermal junction where damaged blood vessels are observed) of irreversible vascular injury. Cumulative pulses do increase the extent of tissue injury, including both desired vascular changes and unwanted effects such as extravasation. No clinical changes were observed following multiple pulses below 2 J cm−2. It was concluded that 577 nm, 450μs multiple pulses to the same site do not increase penetration depth of vascular injury of the laser beam.
Glucose Replacement to Euglycemia Causes Hypoxia, Acidosis, and Decreased Insulin Secretion in Fetal Sheep with Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Glucose Replacement to Euglycemia Causes Hypoxia, Acidosis, and Decreased Insulin Secretion in Fetal Sheep With Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Ballistic impact damage of S 2-glass-reinforced plastic structural armor

Different sizes of S 2-glass-fabric-reinforced plastic laminate plates were tested ballistically by impacting the plates with two different sizes of fragment simulating projectiles at various velocities below the limiting velocity of perforation. The impacted specimens were examined with computed tomography to determine the extent of damage in the specimens, then those specimens were tested in compression until failure. The correlation between the failure load and the extent of damage in terms of average damage fraction is presented and discussed.
A Mathematical Approach to Gauging Influence by Identifying Shifts in the Emotions of Social Media Users

Although an extensive research literature on influence exists in fields like social psychology and communications, the advent of social media opens up new questions regarding how to define and measure influence online. In this paper, we present a new definition of influence that is tailored uniquely for online contexts and an associated methodology for gauging influence. According to our definition, influence entails the capacity to shift the patterns of emotion levels expressed by social media users. The source of influence may be the content of a user’s message or the context of the relationship between exchanging users. Regardless of the source, measuring influence requires first identifying shifts in the patterns of emotion levels expressed by users and then studying the extent that these shifts can be associated with a user. This paper presents a new quantitative approach that combines the use of a text analysis program with a mathematical algorithm to derive trends in levels of emotions expressed in social media and, more importantly, detect breakpoints when those trends changed abruptly. First steps have also been taken to predict future trends in expressions (as well as quantify their accuracy). These methods constitute a new approach to quantifying influence in social media that focuses on detecting the impact of influence (e.g., shifts in levels of emotions expressed) as opposed to focusing on the dynamics of simple social media counts, e.g., retweets, followers, or likes.
Structure, Properties, and Residual Stress of 304L Stainless Steel Friction Stir Welds

Abstract Alloy 304L stainless steel sheets, 3.2 mm thick, were joined by friction stir welding at a single welding speed using two different tool rotation rates. The resulting welds were overmatched relative to the base metal. Longitudinal residual stresses (tensile) were near the base metal yield strength.
Efficacy of Request Presentation on Compliance

The present study was an exploration of the effects of request presentation on compliance with a sample of college students in a test cheating milieu. The effect of a request seemed to have a negative effect on compliance seeking, contrary to the hypothesis proposed. However, when a simple request was preceded by the word “please,” the rate of compliance increased, whereas a simple request generated the lowest rate of compliance. An analysis of gender effects showed an overall significant relationship between request condition and compliance in females only. A detailed analysis of individual responses to each confederate response revealed no significant variation. In sum, females in our sample appeared to react strongly to simple (direct) requests. Potential explanations for the results are explored in the context of theoretical and empirical research found in the literature.
Hepatic AAV Gene Transfer and the Immune System: Friends or Foes?

Two ongoing clinical trials utilize different adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for liver-directed factor IX (F.IX) gene transfer with the goal of sustained therapy in patients with severe hemophilia B. Although preclinical studies have documented immune tolerance and long-term expression of F.IX in animals, the single prior clinical trial of this approach achieved only transient therapeutic gene expression and exposed preexisting immunity to the AAV vector as a major obstacle for therapy.1 Although accumulating preclinical data continue to fuel a debate over the potential impact of immune responses on hepatic AAV gene transfer, these data do not allow us to predict whether the human immune system will reject or tolerate therapy. This commentary dissects the relevant human and animal data, some of which are contradictory or allow us to draw only limited conclusions. More clinical trial data are critically needed and should ultimately help us develop better protocols.
Neural signal classification using a simplified feature set with nonparametric clustering

This paper presents a spike sorting method using a simplified feature set with a nonparametric clustering algorithm. The proposed feature extraction algorithm is efficient and has been implemented with a custom integrated circuit chip interfaced with the PC. The proposed clustering algorithm performs nonparametric clustering. It defines an energy function to characterize the compactness of the data and proves that the clustering procedure converges. Through iterations, the data points collapse into well formed clusters and the associated energy approaches zero. By claiming these isolated clusters, neural spikes are classified.
Strategy for management of retroperitoneal tumors with caval tumor thrombus

The surgical management of retroperitoneal tumors extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) can be challenging. Although Wilms' tumor is the most common retroperitoneal tumor extending into the IVC, one must approach these tumors systematically as other diagnoses are possible. We present 4 consecutive cases of retroperitoneal tumors with IVC extension as a basis for a management strategy in approaching these patients. Despite similar presentations, these cases illustrate the nuances in surgical management and need for multidisciplinary care with the pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgeons, and pediatric cardiac surgeons.
Two new species of Platygaster (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea, Platygastridae) parasitic on Balsam gall midge, Dasineura balsamicola (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

Two new species of Platygaster accounting for high rates of parasitism in balsam gall midge are described. These appear to be widely distributed within the range of balsam fir in North America.
Observation of Weak Localization of Photons by Gold Nano-particle Suspensions

We studied the coherent backscattering (CBS) from gold nano-particle suspensions and deduced the photon diffusion mean free path as the function of the nano-particle concentration and particle size, which are much larger than the probe wavelength.
Contemporary surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: What do recent trends imply for urology training?

We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). After decades of decline, there is a recent surge in the rate of BPH surgeries—largely represented by laser prostatectomy and office-based thermotherapies. In the United States, the number of transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP) continues to decline, now representing a minority of all procedures performed. We reflect on how such changes may affect resident training. We review education models that strive to maintain TURP proficiency amongst urology residents, despite fewer opportunities for training on live patients. Furthermore, we review how proposed changes in the structure of urology education might impact training in office-based procedures, such as prostate thermotherapy.
Understanding Hospitality House Guests' Needs: A Brief Case Report

A.E. Kazak's (2006) call to develop theory-driven and empirically supported programs aimed at strengthening the competencies of families affected by pediatric illness applies to both medical and nonmedical facilities and institutions that care for pediatric patients and their loved ones. M.K.W. Duncan and A. Blugis (in press, this issue) note that despite the intuitive and practical nature of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, no theory translates into an infallible understanding of any individual guest's needs or a program of universally applied best practice standards for meeting those needs. Using Maslow's theory as a framework, this brief report describes the complexity and fluidity of one mother's needs during her stay at a hospitality house following the birth of her premature twin babies.
Platelet function during and after deep surface hypothermia.

Abstract Platelet function was studied during and after deep surface hypothermia in the canine model. In vivo determinations were made for platelet count, simultaneous [14C]serotonin and 51Cr-platelet survival, bleeding time, and aggregation in vitro. Transient platelet sequestration (cold-induced thrombocytopenia) was produced during deep hypothermia. Platelets, previously sequestered by hypothermia and subsequently mobilized, were shown to have a normal life span and function as measured by the bleeding time at 35°C rewarming. A transient impairment of in vitro platelet aggregation was observed during the first 2 1 2 hr after rewarming, but had recovered by 24 hr postrewarming. The constant ratio of [14C]serotonin:51Cr indicated no evidence of platelet dense body degranulation. Prolonged bleeding time at 20°C cooling could be largely explained by the transient thrombocytopenia, although platelet dysfunction also appeared to be associated.
Synaptic coupling into the production and storage of a neuronal memory trace.

AN adequate model for the nature of the memory trace at the neuronal level should provide for a sequence of physiological mechanisms which would include ‘read-in’ of the neuronal change, ‘storage’ processes that impart an enduring quality, and ‘read-out’ of the change in the form of an altered neuronal response to an appropriate neural input. The framework for such a neuronal model seems to be provided by the features of a novel heterosynaptic interaction in a mammalian sympathetic ganglion. It had been found previously that one synaptic transmitter (the catecholamine dopamine, DA) could produce a specific and enduring enhancement, lasting for at least several hours, of the subsequent responses to another synaptic transmitter (acetylcholine, ACh)1. We have now found that the retention of this DA-induced change can be disrupted by cyclic GMP in a strikingly time-dependent manner that is similar, in principle, to the well known disruptability feature of the memory storage process2,3. Additional evidence indicates that the production and storage of the enduring change initiated by DA are mediated intraneuronally by cyclic AMP. We present here a scheme which outlines the cellular pathways postulated to carry out the sequence of events from ‘read-in’ through to ‘read-out’.
Embodied technological progress, technology-related producer inputs, and regional factors in a firm-level model of growth

Abstract This paper employs a micro-based model using firm-level data to estimate the importance of embodied technological progress, technology-related producer inputs, and regional factors for production growth in the computer-electronics sector. We estimate the model using ordinary least squares with different specifications to test for returns-to-scale. Parameter values are used to estimate the contribution of several groups of inputs to output growth. Mostly, the signs and magnitudes of the empirical results conform to expectations. In addition, the growth of R&D investments significantly affects production growth. Moreover, firms' decision to keep their capital stock young by replacing older equipment frequently contributes significantly to production growth, largely because there is a negative relationship between the level of embodied technology and the age of capital. Similarly, technology embodied in labor, at least in terms of increases in the educational attainment (but not experience) of professionals, contributes to production growth. Finally, improvements in regions' ‘milieu’—particularly in the levels of consumer services and regional amenities—affects production growth. Our measure of agglomeration economies (incorporating technological spillovers and localization effects) appears to exert a negative influence on production growth, signifying that congestion and other diseconomies associated with sector size in a given region more than offset the growth impulse for this sample. Growth in producer services does not seem to affect production growth, though the level presumably does.
Inhibition of transcription factor activity by nuclear compartment-associated Bcl-2.

Using a reporter gene assay in PC12, HEK293, HeLa, and NIH-3T3 cells, we show that the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 significantly inhibits transcriptional activation of various transcription factors, including NFκB, AP1, CRE, and NFAT. A Bcl-2 mutant lacking its BH4 domain (ΔBH4) also inhibited transcription, whereas a Bcl-2 mutant lacking its transmembrane domain (ΔTM) was ineffective. Furthermore, Bcl-2 chimeric proteins containing transmembrane domains from the mitochondrial protein monoamine oxidase B (MaoB) or the endoplasmic reticulum protein cytochrome b5 showed no effect on transcription factor activity. Subcellular localization studies showed that under conditions of transient transfection, the active Bcl-2 forms (wild type and ΔBH4) were predominantly found in the nuclear fraction, whereas the non-active forms (ΔTM, MaoB, and cytochrome b5) were in the non-nuclear fraction. Additionally, stably expressed Bcl-2 loses its ability to inhibit transcriptional activation and localizes predominantly to the non-nuclear fraction. Expression of FKBP38 (a chaperone that shuttles Bcl-2 to the mitochondria) removes co-expressed Bcl-2 from the nuclear fraction and reverses its effect on transcription factor activity. Finally, using an inducible gene expression system, we show that nuclear compartment-associated Bcl-2 prevents entry of NFκB subunits to the nucleus without affecting NFκB release from its cytosolic inhibitory sub-unit IκBα. These results suggest that (a) Bcl-2 suppresses transcriptional activity of multiple transcription factors; (b) Bcl-2 does not interfere with NFκB activation but prevents entrance of its active subunits to the nucleus; (c) membrane anchoring is required for this function of Bcl-2; and (d) association of Bcl-2 with the nuclear compartment is also necessary. We speculate that nuclear compartment-associated Bcl-2 may affect nuclear trafficking of multiple factors necessary for transcriptional activity.
Automated data mining of a proprietary database system for physician quality improvement.

Purpose Physician practice quality improvement is a subject of intense national debate. This report describes using a software data acquisition program to mine an existing, commonly used proprietary radiation oncology database to assess physician performance. Methods and Materials Between 2003 and 2004, a manual analysis was performed of electronic portal image (EPI) review records. Custom software was recently developed to mine the record-and-verify database and the review process of EPI at our institution. In late 2006, a report was developed that allowed for immediate review of physician completeness and speed of EPI review for any prescribed period. Results The software extracted >46,000 EPIs between 2003 and 2007, providing EPI review status and time to review by each physician. Between 2003 and 2007, the department EPI review improved from 77% to 97% (range, 85.4–100%), with a decrease in the mean time to review from 4.2 days to 2.4 days. The initial intervention in 2003 to 2004 was moderately successful in changing the EPI review patterns; it was not repeated because of the time required to perform it. However, the implementation in 2006 of the automated review tool yielded a profound change in practice. Using the software, the automated chart review required ∼1.5 h for mining and extracting the data for the 4-year period. Conclusion This study quantified the EPI review process as it evolved during a 4-year period at our institution and found that automation of data retrieval and review simplified and facilitated physician quality improvement.
Volume holographic recording and readout for 90-deg geometry

When a prerecorded cross-beam hologram is reconstructed (so-called edge-lit readout) with a uniform plane wave and a point source, the resulting exact solutions reveal Bessel-function-type dif- fracted beam profiles, which are fundamentally modified under weak propagational diffraction. The case of a profiled beam readout with propagational diffraction may be analyzed using a transfer function ap- proach based on 2-D Laplace transforms. In a second series of investi- gations, dynamic readout from a cross-beam volume hologram recorded with two orthogonal uniform plane waves is considered for various de- pendences of the refractive index modulation with intensity. Typically, refractive index profiles that are proportional to the intensity (as in the case of Kerr-type media or photorefractives with predominantly photovol- taic effect) and to the derivative of the intensity (as in diffusion-dominated photorefractives) are considered. Two-dimensional nonlinear coupled equations are developed for the two (Bragg) orders for both cases. Closed form solutions are obtained for the first case, indicating only non- linearly induced self and cross-phase coupling. A simple experiment in- volving simultaneous recording and readout using photorefractive lithium niobate crystal indicates beam profile distortion, which may be expected in such 90-deg geometries. © 2004 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engi- neers. (DOI: 10.1117/1.1774195)
Human esophageal epithelial cells possess an Na+/H+ exchanger for H+ extrusion.

Abstract Objective: The human esophagus is regularly exposed to refluxed gastric acid. Therefore, its epithelial cells require for survival a means of extruding excess H+ from the cytoplasm. Because Na+/H+ exchange activity has been observed in many mammalian cell types, including that of rabbit esophagus, we sought its presence in human esophageal epithelium. Methods: Human esophageal epithelial cells derived from endoscopic biopsy specimens or surgical esophagectomy specimens were grown in primary culture and loaded with the fluorescent dye, 2′7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, to monitor intracellular pH (pHi). Results: Resting pHi in bicarbonate-free N′-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid was 7.5 ± 0.03 (n = 50). Acidification using the NH4Cl prepulse technique lowered pHi by 0.6 ± 0.02 pH units, with recovery ensuing at an initial rate of 0.09 ± 0.04 pH units/min. Notably, the rate of recovery was faster the more acidic the pHi, and recovery was abolished by amiloride or replacement with an Na+-free buffer. Acidification by lowering pHo with HCl resulted in a similarly rapid rate of return as with the NH4Cl technique, and resting cells acidified by 0.17 ± 0.02 pH units/5 min upon exposure to amiloride. Conclusions: Human esophageal cells possess an H+-extruding mechanism consistent with an Na+/H+ exchanger. This mechanism is active in resting cells, adapts to the degree of pHi lowering, and extrudes H+ efficiently whether loaded by intracellular or extracellular means, making it well suited for epithelial defense against acid injury.
Recovery and Properties of Muscle Proteins Extracted from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Light Muscle by pH Shift Processing

Functional proteins can be extracted from fish muscle using acid- or alkali-aided solubilization and recovered with isoelectric precipitation. It was of interest to evaluate acid- and alkali-aided solubilization/precipitation on muscle material from the warm-water fish tilapia. Higher levels of proteins were extracted with high compared with low pH (P 0.05) was found for overall protein recovery (61% to 68% for alkali-aided process and 56% to 61% for acid-aided process) of the 2 processes.
Stress Appraisal and Attitudes Towards Corporal Punishment as Intervening Processes Between Corporal Punishment and Subsequent Mental Health

The purpose of this research was to examine the role of within-person processes in determining the impact of parental corporal punishment on mental health in older adolescents. A stress appraisal scale specific to corporal punishment and an attitudes towards corporal punishment scale were developed for this study and examined as determinants of the impact of corporal punishment on psychological and parent-child relationship outcomes. Results of this research indicated that participants’ evaluations of their parents’ corporal punishment as threatening was more important than the actual frequency of corporal punishment in determining adolescent mental health, and were significantly associated with the mental health measures after controlling for other elements of parenting. In addition, the mother-child relationship was more adversely impacted by mothers’ corporal punishment when adolescents evaluated that punishment negatively. These results enhance theoretical models describing intrapersonal processes through which subabusive parental violence affects children and can help to improve intervention efforts aimed at reducing negative outcomes associated with corporal punishment.
A Long-Term Monitoring Plan for a Threatened Butterfly

: A long-term monitoring plan using stratified random sampling of population densities of late instar larvae is presented for a large population of the threatened Bay checkerspot butterfly, Euphydryas editha bayensis. A topographic map of the habitat is analyzed for the distribution of slope exposures and a clear sky insolation model is applied to delineate microclimate strata Sixth and seventh instar larval densities are estimated for square-meter quadrats on specific slope exposures, and these density samples are then grouped into the microclimate strata for estimating population size. Additionally, samples of larvae from different slopes are weighed to monitor developmental phenology. The larval population increased from 92,000 in 1985 to 783,000 in 1987, and decreased to 319,000 in 1988. The distribution of larvae changed between years, shifting from cool slopes to warmer slopes as the population grew. These shifts affect developmental phenology and the timing of adult emergence. The procedure produces labor- and cost-effective yearly estimates of population densities of larvae in different microclimates and documents within-habitat responses of the population to a variable climate. Resumen: Se presenta un plan de monitoreo a largo plazo usando muestras estratificadas al azar sobre densidades de poblaciones de larvas instar para una gran poblacion de marzposa, Euphydryas editha bayensis, especie amenazada. Se analiza un mapa topografico del medio ambiente para la distribucion de las exposiciones de los laderos y se adapta un modelo de insolacion con cielo despejado para delinear estratos de microclima. Se calculan las sextas y septimas densidades de la lama instar por cuadrantes de metro cuadrado en manifestaciones especificas del declive; estas muestras de densidad son luego agrupadas en estratos de micro clima para estimar el tamano de la poblacion. Adicionalmente, se pesan muestras de larvas de diferentes laderos para medir el desarrollo fenologico. La poblacion de larvas aumento de 92,000 en 1985 a 783,000 en 1987, y disminuyo a 319,000 en 1988. La distribucion larvatica cambio entre estos anos, trasladandose de laderos frias a laderos calientes conforme la poblacion crecia. El procedimiento produce estimaciones anuales de las densidades de poblaciones de larvas en microclimas diferentes y documenta las respuestas de la poblacion a un clima variable.
Deposition of C3 on bacteria in the mouse uterus after mating

A previous study demonstrated that several species of bacteria were present in the mouse uterine lumen on the day after mating, and that many of these bacteria had immunoglobulins bound to their surface. Neutrophilic leukocytes containing phagocytosed bacteria were also present in the lumen. Since bacteria are phagocytosed efficiently only when they are opsonized by the binding of specific antibody or C3b or both to their surface, we investigated whether the uterine bacteria were coated with C3. Immunolabeling demonstrated that an antigenic portion of C3, possibly C3b, was bound to many of the uterine bacteria. This observation suggests that bacteria in the mouse uterus after mating may be opsonized by both antibody and complement and that phagocytosis of these bacteria by neutrophils may play an important role in returning the uterus to an aseptic state before implantation.
Spin-glass-like behavior in Cu/Ni multilayered films.

Etude detaillee de l'aimantation des multicouches de Cu/Ni. Ces couches sont des sytemes «reentrantes» et ne sont pas des ordinaires tels qu'ils sont souvent consideres. Identification de la transition de la phase du verre de spins vers la phase ferromagnetique par la temperature T p a laquelle survient un pic dans l'aimantation en courant continu. On observe ce pic pour tous les echantillons, et T p decroit avec la diminution de l'epaisseur de la bicouche. Identification egalement de la region ferromagnetique situee entre T p et la temperature de Curie T c
Major Galaxy Mergers and the Growth of Supermassive Black Holes in Quasars

Despite observed strong correlations between central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and star formation in galactic nuclei, uncertainties exist in our understanding of their coupling. We present observations of the ratio of heavily obscured to unobscured quasars as a function of cosmic epoch up to z ≅ 3 and show that a simple physical model describing mergers of massive, gas-rich galaxies matches these observations. In the context of this model, every obscured and unobscured quasar represents two distinct phases that result from a massive galaxy merger event. Much of the mass growth of the SMBH occurs during the heavily obscured phase. These observations provide additional evidence for a causal link between gas-rich galaxy mergers, accretion onto the nuclear SMBH, and coeval star formation.
Relationships between the stiffness of peripheral and central skeletal sites assessed by HR-pQCT- and cQCT-based finite element analysis

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is a promising in vivo imaging technique that can be used to assess the three-dimensional microstructure of the radius and tibia. Micro finite element models can also be constructed from these images to estimate the mechanical competence of these sites, giving this technique the potential in the clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis. However, the mechanical properties of the peripheral sites may not be predictive of the properties at the central sites. Image-based finite element analysis was performed on sixty-nine premenopausal women, 12 with idiopathic osteoporosis and 57 normal controls, who underwent HR-pQCT scans of the distal radius and distal tibia and central quantitative computed tomography scans of the proximal femur and lumbar spine. Significant correlations were found between the stiffness of the two peripheral sites (r=0.86), the two central sites (r=0.49) and also between the peripheral and central skeletal sites (r=0.56–0.70).
Long-term recognition memory for items and attributes by retarded and nonretarded persons

Abstract Long-term memory (LTM) differences between retarded and nonretarded persons were assessed. These persons studied a picture book following semantic or nonsemantic encoding instructions, and recognition tests for the pictures (items) and their locations were given immediately, 1 day, and 1 week later. Semantic encoding instructions facilitated memory for items in retarded, but not in nonretarded persons. Under these conditions, the two groups were equally accurate in LTM for items. However, under nonsemantic encoding instructions, retarded subjects and poorer memory for items than did nonretarded subjects. Memory for the location of an item was not affected by encoding instructions or intelligence level. A comparison between attribute and item memory showed that LTM for an attribute is forgotten more rapidly than memory for the item itself.