cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of domestic price insulation for global food price behavior

Abstract Rapid changes in global food prices in recent years are widely viewed as a serious threat to global development. While various sources of price instability in agriculture have been identified, little attention appears to have been given to the importance of changes in trade policies that insulate domestic prices from world markets as a source of volatility in world prices. A contribution of this paper is to show that these interventions are dynamically more complex than simple proportional insulation. Insulation against an initial price increase in world prices increases the magnitude of that increase, while subsequent adjustments to the level of protection change the fundamental nature of price volatility. We find such policies are widespread and increase the volatility of world prices while not reducing the volatility of domestic prices because of the collective action problem involved in this form of policy intervention.
THE INVERSE BLACKBODY RADIATION PROBLEM

The inverse blackbody radiation problem is of great importance in remote sensing, and has been tackled with some success during the last decade. Progress made in solving this problem is reviewed here.
Classical computational geometry in GeomNet

In this paper we present GeomNet, a system for performing dktributed geometric computing over the Internet. We also provide seved examples of actual geometric algorithms that our system already supports. Application domains for GeomNet include collaborative research and dist ante education. Keyworda: geometric computing, Internet computing, cooperative computing, visualization.
Two-dimensional discrete Hilbert transform and computational complexity aspects in its implementation

It is first shown that the impulse response operator for a two-dimensional discrete Hilbert transform (DHT), although not by itself sum-separable, becomes so after appropriate classification. Subsequently, it is proved that the multiplicative complexity of computation of a two-dimensional DHT is not greater than twice the sum of multiplicative complexities of two one-dimensional DHT's. Finally, the consequences of Winograd's algebraical computational complexity theory on the problem considered here are discussed.
Functionally graded materials: Properties, potential and design guidelines

Abstract NiAlAl 2 O 3 FGMs show excellent thermal shock properties and graceful, serrated failure at high temperatures and strains. However, simple laminar structures invariably suffer from some degree of curvature at room temperature. A residual strain minimization model previously shown to give good agreement with experiment is used to develop guidelines for composite architectural design. Intuitively based structures utilizing gradual changes in NiAl content may not be as useful. Composite applications and future design needs are discussed.
Interstage Transportation Planning in the Deterministic Flow-Shop Environment

In the well-known flow-shop model, we are given a k-stage processing facility and a collection of jobs, each comprising k tasks to be processed in order, one per stage. At every stage, one or more machines are available for processing tasks. We assume that the jobs are independent and that the processing of a task, once begun, cannot be interrupted. In this paper we focus our attention on a critical but largely ignored aspect of flow-shop utilization, namely, that of planning the efficient transportation of work between stages. We therefore assume the existence of a transport, used to ferry jobs from one stage to the next. We devise and formally analyze effective transportation strategies for various situations in this environment that are dependent on the amount of time needed for transportation relative to the amount required for task processing.
HIV and SIV gp120 binding does not predict coreceptor function.

Interaction of HIV and SIV Envelope (Env) proteins with viral coreceptors is a critical step in viral entry. By using a sensitive and specific gp120 binding assay, we have identified a discordance between the ability of a coreceptor to support Env-mediated membrane fusion and high-affinity binding of gp120. Direct binding of gp120 from the dual-tropic HIV-1 strain 89.6 was not detectable for any coreceptor that it uses for fusion, while detectable binding of gp120s from the R5 HIV-1 strains JRFL and CM235 and the SIV strain 239 was not measurable for many CCR5 chimeras and mutants that function efficiently as viral coreceptors. In comparison, binding of chemokines to these same mutants was highly predictive of their ability to signal. Thus, gp120 is more sensitive than chemokines to perturbations of CCR5 structure. We conclude that while chemokine binding to CCR5 is a good predictor of chemokine receptor function, gp120 binding does not always predict coreceptor function.
The Firm Decision Process: An Econometric Investigation

I. A general formulation of the model, 59. — II. The choice of dependent variables, 61. — III. The capital investment equation, 64. — IV. The R & D equation, 71. — V. The advertising equation, 74. — VI. The dividends equation, 75. — VII. An appraisal of the model, 77. — VIII. Policy implications of the results, 81. — IX. Conclusion, 84. — Appendix, 84.
Fe environments and magnetic order in YSr2Cu2FeO7.26

Abstract 57 Fe Mossbauer absorption spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements of YSr 2 Cu 2 FeO 7.26 have been performed in order to further elucidate the Fe environments and magnetic ordering temperatures at high doping levels in the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 structure. We find Fe 3+ in three environments. Fe substitutes in the Cu(1) chain sites in 5-fold and 6-fold coordination, and in the Cu(2) plane sites in 5-fold coordination. The onset of magnetic ordering is near 65 K. This latter result is much lower than expected given the high Fe content and 5-fold and 6-fold coordination, which trap holes in the Cu(1)O y planes. We interpret the lower magnetic ordering temperature to be due to more efficient transfer of available untrapped holes from the Cu(1)O y planes to the Cu(2)O 2 sheets.
Cognitive Style Index: Further Investigation of the Factor Structure with an American Student Sample.

The present study investigates the factor structure of the Cognitive Style Index (CSI), comparing the unitary, bipolar continuum of intuition–analysis, the theory upon which the CSI is predicated, with the two‐factor theory of cognitive style. We conducted both confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses on data from a sample of 222 American university business students. There was a lack of fit for the unifactorial model. Our results suggest the instrument is tapping multiple dimensions of cognitive style, the implications of which are discussed.
College Students and Computers: Assessment of Usage Patterns and Musculoskeletal Discomfort:

Time pressure from deadlines, awkward body postures and long-duration, continuous computer use are associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in workers using computers. Few studies have exam...
An Illustrated Key to the Higher Groups of the Ciliated Protozoa, with Definition of Terms*

SYNOPSIS. A dichotomous, analytical key is offered for use in recognition and differentiation of the 26 orders and suborders belonging to the two subclasses of the single class Ciliata of the subphylum CILIOPHORA. The basic terminology employed in these brief characterizations, usable in systematic studies of ciliates in general, is defined first, and a plea is made for a more uniform vocabulary, especially in reference to structures which are without doubt homologous throughout the several higher ciliate taxa. Particular emphasis is placed on the all-important features in the oral area; many of these are figured as well as being described in words. Both the key and the definitions are essentially the first to be offered since Kahl's monographic work on the ciliates published in 1930–1935. They are demanded by the great accumulation of new pertinent data in the protozoclogical literature of the past 25 years.
Deflection of a circular plate by heat sources distributed along a curve

We propose a new approach based on the method of finite integral transformations and the theory of generalized functions to the solution of the problem of thermoelasticity for a circular plate heated by heat sources distributed along a curve. We also present the analysis of numerical results.
An assessment of multiple-scattering effects in Auger electron and photoelectron diffraction

Abstract Multiple-scattering effects in Auger electron and photoelectron spectroscopies are assessed using a new spherrical-wave multiple-scattering formalism which is based on a separable approximation to the scattering Green's functions.
Safety of trovafloxacin in treatment of lower respiratory tract infections

Safety and toleration of oral trovafloxacin has been assessed in Phase III trials in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections. Patients were treated orally with either trovafloxacin 100 or 200 mg (n=881) or a comparator (500 or 1000 mg amoxicillin, or 625 mg amoxicillin/clavulanic acid;n=593). Adverse events were recorded in 112 (12.7%) trovafloxacin- and 74 (12.5%) comparator-treated patients. Frequency of effects on the autonomic nervous, musculoskeletal, respiratory, special senses, urinary and reproductive systems was <1%. Photosensitivity reactions were not reported in trovafloxacin-treated patients. Central or peripheral nervous system adverse effects (headache and dizziness) were slightly more common in trovafloxacin-treated patients (4.4% vs 1.9%). Patients treated with comparators experienced gastrointestinal events more frequently (6.1% vs 8.3%). Comparable incidences of adverse events were reported in patients ≥65-years-old. Most events were mild to moderate in severity. Treatment was discontinued because of an adverse event in 18 (2%) trovafloxacin- and four (0.7%) comparator-treated patients. Despite the high prevalence of risk factors, serious adverse events were rare and the mortality rate over the 35-day study period was low: trovafloxacin 0.8%, comparator agents 1.5%. Laboratory test abnormalities were recorded in less than 1% of patients in either treatment group.
Unfractionated heparin dosing for therapeutic anticoagulation in critically ill obese adults

Abstract Purpose Research evaluating unfractionated heparin (UFH) dosing in obese critically ill populations is limited. This study aimed to determine optimal weight-based and total therapeutic infusion rates of UFH in this population. Methods This retrospective cohort study compared adults on UFH infusions in intensive care units from May 2011 through October 2013 across 3 weight strata: 95 to 104 kg (control), 105 to 129 kg (high weight), and greater than or equal to 130 kg (higher weight). Primary outcomes included total and weight-based infusion rates for therapeutic anticoagulation. Results To achieve therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin times, higher weight patients had higher mean infusion rates compared with control (2017 vs 1582 U/h; P = .002). Mean weight-based therapeutic infusion rate was lower in the higher weight group compared with control (13.1 vs 15.8 U kg − 1 h − 1 ; P = .008). Post hoc analyses indicated mean weight-based infusion rate to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation was 15 U kg − 1 h − 1 in patients less than 165 kg and 13 U kg − 1 h − 1 in patients greater than 165 kg. Conclusions Patients greater than or equal to 130 kg have lower weight-based heparin requirements compared with patients 95 to 104 kg. This difference appears to be driven by patients greater than 165 kg. Patients greater than 165 kg have lower weight-based heparin requirements, whereas patients from 105 to 164 kg have weight-based requirements similar to a normal-weight patient population. Initiating heparin at appropriate weight-based doses for obese patients may optimize anticoagulation.
Targeting the K-Ras/PDEδ protein-protein interaction: The solution for ras-driven cancers or just another therapeutic mirage?

The holy grail, finally? After years of unsuccessful attempts at drugging the Ras oncogene, a recent paper by Zimmerman et al. has revealed the possibility of inhibiting Ras signaling on a clinically relevant level by blocking the K-Ras/PDEδ protein-protein interaction. The results, reported in Nature, are highlighted herein with future implications and directions to evaluate the full clinical potential of this research.
Effects of diel un-ionized ammonia fluctuation on juvenile hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, and blue tilapia ☆

Abstract The effects of variable and fluctuating sublethal ammonia concentrations on plasma ammonia concentration, growth, feed conversion ratio and survival of juvenile hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops ♀×M. saxatilis ♂, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus were evaluated in each of three sequential growth periods. Fish were cultured in a flow-through system in which pH was controlled to represent the diel pH variation known to occur in eutrophic aquaculture ponds. During the first growth period (29 days), pH was maintained at 8.0. During the second growth period (22–43 days), pH was controlled to fluctuate daily from 7.75 to 9.00, and during the third growth period (47–53 days), pH was controlled to fluctuate daily from 7.50 to 9.50. Four nominal total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN) concentrations (0, 1, 2.5 and 5 mg l−1) were established as treatment groups. Plasma TAN concentrations of each species responded rapidly to changes in environmental NH3–N concentration. Channel catfish most effectively excluded ammonia from blood. Plasma TAN concentrations of blue tilapia were greater than those of hybrid striped bass and channel catfish. Of the three species evaluated, hybrid striped bass was the most sensitive to unionized ammonia and died following brief daily exposure to 0.91 mg l−1 NH3–N (2.5 mg l−1 TAN at pH 9.00). Hybrid striped bass growth was affected by daily brief exposure to 0.65 mg l−1 NH3–N, but was not affected by brief daily exposure to 0.37 mg l−1 NH3–N (P>0.05). Brief daily exposure to 0.91 mg l−1 NH3–N did not affect channel catfish or blue tilapia growth and feed conversion ratio. The results of this study, in combination with published reports of ammonia concentrations that are normally prevalent in eutrophic aquaculture ponds, suggest that sublethal ammonia exposure in such ponds has a minimal effect on fish growth.
A novel interferometric millimeter wave Doppler radar architecture

A universal, mixerless millimeter wave (mmW) Doppler radar architecture consisting of simply a Continuous Wave (CW) source and an intensity detector based on optical interferometry technique has been assembled. The phase information is obtained by using an oscillating mirror in the reference arm, similar to that used by the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) technique. The reference mirror oscillates at a frequency that is higher than twice the Doppler frequency of the object. Rigorous mathematical formulas have been derived to solve for both the amplitude and the phase of the Doppler signal, by using the Low-Frequency-Band (LFB) and High-Frequency-Band (HFB) signals. The Doppler frequency signature of a moving object can be obtained from the Fourier transform of the phase. A prototype at 94 GHz was built and tested using a ball pendulum target moving over a full-swing distance much smaller than a wavelength. Both the measured amplitude and phase have been shown to agree well with the experimental parameters. The interferometric Doppler radar architecture is universal and can be extended to THz without significant change of components.
Colorado reading project: Longitudinal analyses.

Extensive psychometric test data were obtained from two independent samples of reading-disabled and control children: 70 probands and 75 controls tested on two occasions over an average interval of 4.2 years, and 35 probands and 22 controls tested on three occasions over an average interval of 8.6 years. When composite measures of reading performance and symbol-processing speed were subjected to mixed-model multivariate analyses of variance, significant effects due to group (reading-disabled versus control) and time (i.e., test session) were obtained in both samples, and a significant group-by-time interaction was obtained for the sample tested on three occasions. In general, rates of change in reading performance are highly similar for reading-disabled and control children. However, with regard to symbol-processing speed, differences between the two groups increase as a function of age. Although no evidence was obtained for differential longitudinal stability of either composite measure in reading-disabled and control children, results of a multiple regression analysis suggest that reading deficits during middle childhood are highly predictive of later reading problems, even into early adulthood.
Saturation of the second harmonic generation from GaAs-filled metallic hole arrays by nonlinear absorption

Saturation of the enhanced second harmonic generation (SHG) based on the localized fields confined in a nanoscale periodic, GaAs-filled, plasmonic structure is presented. The SHG saturates at high pump intensities due to three-photon absorption and the resultant free-carrier absorption. Free carriers are monitored by photoluminescence (PL). A fifth power dependence of the PL is observed at 297 K, which results from the three photon absorption along with a transition from nonradiative carrier recombination at the defected GaAs surface at low excitation to bimolecular recombination at high carrier concentrations.
Requirements for Thermal Analysis by Variable-Temperature Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy

The effect of temperature on diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy measurements is discussed. Instrumental parameters that determine the accuracy of variable-temperature diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (VT-DRIFTS) measurements are identified, and methods for removing baseline artifacts resulting from fluctuations in these parameters are given. Procedures for extracting structure-specific quantitative information from DRIFTS spectra acquired at different temperatures are outlined. The use of VT-DRIFTS to generate vibration-specific absorbance band intensity and center frequency temperature profiles for calcium oxalate monohydrate is described, and correlations between these profiles and the known thermal behavior of calcium oxalate monohydrate are given.
Quantum theory of enhanced unimolecular reaction rates below the ergodicity threshold

Abstract A variety of unimolecular reactions exhibit measured rates that exceed Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) predictions. We show using the local random matrix theory (LRMT) of vibrational energy flow how the quantum localization of the vibrational states of a molecule, by violating the ergodicity assumption, can give rise to such an enhancement of the apparent reaction rate. We present an illustrative calculation using LRMT for a model 12-vibrational mode organic molecule to show that below the ergodicity threshold the reaction rate may exceed many times the RRKM prediction due to quantum localization of vibrational states.
Disturbance rejection in Dubins path planning

Dubins' result on paths of minimum length and bounded curvature led to a popular method of path planning for constant-speed vehicles moving in the horizontal plane. Constructing a Dubins path involves stitching segments that correspond to maximum rate turns and straight-line motions. However, a path that requires a maximum rate turn cannot be tracked, in general, because feedback corrections that are needed to compensate for disturbances may exceed the turn rate limit. In practice, one may artificially limit the maximum turn rate used for path planning, reserving some turn rate authority to correct path following errors. This paper provides guidance for determining how much to limit the turn rate based on the worst-case disturbance magnitude. This approach introduces a tradeoff between the path length and the ability to reject disturbances.
Challenges and opportunities in animal drug development: a regulatory perspective.

Veterinary drugs are important in maintaining the health and productivity of agricultural animals, and the health of companion animals. Although there are many parallels between the development of animal drugs and human drugs, there are also important differences. This article focuses on some key challenges and opportunities for veterinary drug development in the light of the regulatory framework for animal healthcare.
Acetylene adsorption on Si(111): molecular orbital theory

Using an idealized unreconstructed structure model for the Si(111) surface and the ASED-MO theory, vibrational properties are calculated which corroborate the HREELS vibrational study of Yoshinobu et al. of acetylene adsorbed on the (7 × 7) reconstructed surface. Acetylene is predicted to bind with an energy of 2 eV to a di-δ site. The CC bond stretches 0.17 A to a value between double and single bond lengths and the HCC, HCSi and SiCC angles are close to ethylenic values at 117°, 119°, and 124°, respectively. Both acetylene π donation to the surface and surface radical state back-donation to the acetylene πz∗ orbital occur. A parallel study of acetylene adsorption on the hexagonal form of Si shows a 0.04 eV increase in the acetylene adsorption energy but no other changes.
Theoretical contribution of the upper extremities to reducing trunk extension following a laboratory-induced slip

Abstract Slips are frequently the cause of fall-related injuries. Identifying modifiable biomechanical requirements for successful recovery is a key prerequisite to developing task-specific fall preventive training programs. The purpose of this study was to quantify the biomechanical role of the upper extremities during the initial phase of a slip resulting in trunk motion primarily in the sagittal plane. Two groups of adults were examined: adults over age 65 who fell and adults aged 18–40 who avoided falling after slipping. We hypothesized that rapid shoulder flexion could significantly reduce trunk extension velocity, that adults who slipped would implement this as a fall avoidance strategy, and that younger adults who avoided falling would use this strategy more effectively than older adults who fell. The kinematics of the 12 younger adults and eight older adults were analyzed using a three-segment conservation of momentum model developed to represent the trunk, head, and upper extremities. The model was used to estimate the possible contribution of the upper extremities to reducing trunk extension velocity. The model showed that upper extremity motion can significantly reduce trunk extension velocity. Although the upper extremities significantly reduced the trunk extension velocity of both young and older adults (p
Copper exposure affects hemocyte apoptosis and Perkinsus marinus infection in eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin).

Abstract Dermo disease in the eastern oyster ( Crassostrea virginica ) is caused by an intracellular protistan parasite Perkinsus marinus . The progression and outcome of this disease is determined by a complex interplay between the host’s immunity and parasite’s escape mechanisms, both of which can be influenced by environmental pollutants including heavy metals such as copper (Cu). The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of Cu on the levels of apoptosis (which can serve as an important host defense mechanism) in oyster immune cells (hemocytes) in vitro and in vivo as well as on the establishment of P. marinus infections in vivo . Surprisingly, Cu exerted opposing effects on apoptosis levels of hemocytes in vitro and in vivo , stimulating apoptosis in isolated hemocytes but suppressing it during Cu exposure of whole oysters. The mechanisms of this effect are presently unknown and may be related to the different bioavailability of the metal in vitro and in vivo . As expected, Cu accumulated in oyster soft tissues during in vitro exposure. Unexpectedly, this metal also strongly accumulated in hemolymph plasma which is classically considered isoionic with the surrounding seawater, likely reflecting the presence of soluble Cu-binding proteins in oyster plasma. Cu reduced growth of P. marinus in vitro and greatly reduced infection levels of hemocytes in vivo , presumably by direct toxic effects on the parasite. As a possible parasitic counterbalance, Cu accumulation in the hemocytes was reduced by P. marinus infection, although this reduction was not sufficient to prevent the parasiticidal effects of the heavy metal in vivo . This effect of Cu may be useful as a potential therapeutic against Dermo disease in aquaculture conditions. Overall, this study provides important new insights into the potential role of environmental metals in host–parasite relationships and disease dynamics in C. virginica .
The Middle Class Fourth Amendment

During October Term 2000 the Supreme Court decided five major Fourth Amendment cases. In chronological order they are: Indianapolis v. Edmond (the drug roadblock case), Illinois v. McArthur (involving search warrant execution), Ferguson v. City of Charleston (the maternity drug testing case), Atwater v. City of Lago Vista (the soccer mom seatbelt arrest case), and Kyllo v. United States (the thermal imaging case). In October Term 2001, the Court decided five more, somewhat less significant, cases: United States v. Arvizu (reasonable suspicion for a stop), United States v. Knights (warrantless search of probationer’s house), United States v. Drayton (consent search), Kirk v. Louisiana (exigent circumstances exception to the warrant requirement), and Board of Education v. Earls. Because of the unusual voting lineups in some of these cases, it may be thought that the Court was simply deciding each case as it came along, according to the predilections of an ever-shifting majority, rather than adhering to any larger theme. This article will argue that there is actually a strikingly consistent theme to the Court’s decisions in
Porter's business strategies in Japan

Purpose – The Japanese government is promoting a move towards a variety of generic business strategies based on the Porter Prize as a way to regain global competitiveness and end their long economic recession. The purpose of this paper is to report on the current state of Japanese business strategies to a practitioner audience based on the authors' previous academic‐oriented research.Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 101 Japanese respondents was conducted to determine their relative use of Porter's generic business strategies. Examples of implementation are presented to illustrate use of the critical strategies.Findings – The Japanese are using two of Porter's generic strategies, namely cost leadership and differentiation and they are using two variations of Porter's focus strategies.Research limitations/implications – As is typical with all survey research, the convenience sample of organizations used in this survey may not be representative of all Japanese organizations.Practical implications – ...
Lung Transplantation and Pulmonary Hypertension

The presence of pulmonary hypertension affects lung transplantation in multiple ways, from patient selection, transplant risks, type of transplant, intraoperative management, to transplant outcome. A working knowledge of natural disease progression, the latest medical treatment options, and transplant outcome is critical in patient selection, and a good understanding of the transplant process, including the new transplant allocation system, is important for physicians involved in the care of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The complexity of these factors underscores the importance of good communication between referring physicians and transplant centers.
Cimetidine Does Not Prevent Lung Injury in Newborn Premature Infants

Animal studies have shown that induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the lung by oxygen exposure may result in the release of free radical oxidants and arachidonic acid metabolites, which can cause lung injury that is reduced by treatment with cimetidine, a CYP inhibitor. To determine whether cimetidine would reduce lung injury in human infants at risk for chronic lung disease, we conducted a randomized clinical trial in which we administered either cimetidine or a placebo for 10 d beginning <24 h after birth to 84 newborn infants weighing ≤1250 g who were receiving O2 and mechanical ventilation. Cimetidine had no significant effect on severity of respiratory insufficiency assessed at 10 d postnatal age. F2-isoprostane levels (a marker of oxidant injury) in tracheal aspirates were significantly higher in the cimetidine group at 4 d and at 10 d. There were no significant differences between the groups in tracheal aspirate levels of inflammatory markers (leukotriene B4, IL-8, and nucleated cell count) or arachidonic acid metabolites. We conclude that cimetidine does not reduce lung injury in newborn premature infants receiving O2 and mechanical ventilation. It is possible that cimetidine was not an adequate CYP inhibitor in this context.
Fear of Intimacy as a Mediator of the Internalized Heterosexism-Relationship Quality Link Among Men in Same-Sex Relationships

This study examined the relationship between internalized heterosexism (also known as internalized homophobia) and fear of intimacy and relationship quality among 88 men in a same-sex romantic relationship. Findings revealed that internalized heterosexism was positively correlated with fear of intimacy (r = .49) and negatively correlated with relationship quality (r = −.43). In addition, results indicated that fear of intimacy partially mediated the relationship between internalized heterosexism and relationship quality. That is, the data were consistent with the notion that internalized heterosexism leads to more fear of intimacy, which in turn leads to less relationship quality among sexual minority men. Finally, the variables in the model accounted for 28 % of the variance in relationship quality scores. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Phospholipase D Activation by Endogenous 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2C Receptors Is Mediated by Gα13 and Pertussis Toxin-Insensitive Gβγ Subunits

Phospholipase D activation was measured in primary cultures of rat choroid plexus epithelial cells, which endogenously express the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2C receptor, as well as a heterologous cell line expressing the cloned receptor. In both systems, serotonin stimulation of the 5-HT(2C) receptor activates phospholipase D in addition to phospholipase C, the traditional effector. Specific inhibitors and membrane permeable blocking peptides were used to determine which heterotrimeric G-proteins were involved. Results suggest that both alpha and free betagamma subunits from G(13) heterotrimers are responsible for phospholipase D activation.
Performance Assessment and Electronic Portfolios: Their Effect on Teacher Learning and Education

(2005). Performance Assessment and Electronic Portfolios: Their Effect on Teacher Learning and Education. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 78, No. 4, pp. 164-176.
Speech Sound Disorder Influenced by a Locus in 15q14 Region

Despite a growing body of evidence indicating that speech sound disorder (SSD) has an underlying genetic etiology, researchers have not yet identified specific genes predisposing to this condition. The speech and language deficits associated with SSD are shared with several other disorders, including dyslexia, autism, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), and Angelman’s Syndrome (AS), raising the possibility of gene sharing. Furthermore, we previously demonstrated that dyslexia and SSD share genetic susceptibility loci. The present study assesses the hypothesis that SSD also shares susceptibility loci with autism and PWS. To test this hypothesis, we examined linkage between SSD phenotypes and microsatellite markers on the chromosome 15q14–21 region, which has been associated with autism, PWS/AS, and dyslexia. Using SSD as the phenotype, we replicated linkage to the 15q14 region (P = 0.004). Further modeling revealed that this locus influenced oral-motor function, articulation and phonological memory, and that linkage at D15S118 was potentially influenced by a parent-of-origin effect (LOD score increase from 0.97 to 2.17, P = 0.0633). These results suggest shared genetic determinants in this chromosomal region for SSD, autism, and PWS/AS.
A Late-Acting Quality Control Process for Mature Eukaryotic rRNAs

Ribosome biogenesis is a multifaceted process involving a host of trans-acting factors mediating numerous chemical reactions, RNA conformational changes, and RNA-protein associations. Given this high degree of complexity, tight quality control is likely crucial to ensure structural and functional integrity of the end products. We demonstrate that ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) containing individual point mutations, in either the 25S peptidyl transferase center or 18S decoding site, that adversely affect ribosome function are strongly downregulated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This downregulation occurs via decreased stability of the mature rRNA contained in fully assembled ribosomes and ribosomal subunits. Thus, eukaryotes possess a quality-control mechanism, nonfunctional rRNA decay (NRD), capable of detecting and eliminating the rRNA component of mature ribosomes.
Mortality of Kauai Residents in the 12-Month Period following Hurricane Iniki

On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai leaving all residents without electricity and telephone services and damaging 70% of the homes. This study examined the hypothesis that Hurricane Iniki increased the mortality of Kauai residents by comparing mortality data for the 5 years preceding Hurricane Iniki with mortality data for the 12 months immediately following. Although the overall mortality rate was increased in the post-Iniki period, the only significant increase was in the rate of diabetes mellitus-related deaths (relative risk = 2.61, 95% confidence interval 1.44-4.74). Hurricane Iniki did not appear to significantly increase the risk of dying of Kauai residents in the 12 months immediately following the disaster.
An inverter packaging scheme for an integrated segmented traction drive system

The standard voltage source inverter (VSI), widely used in electric vehicle/hybrid electric vehicle (EV/HEV) traction drives, requires a bulky dc bus capacitor to absorb the large switching ripple currents and prevent them from shortening the battery's life. The dc bus capacitor presents a significant barrier to meeting inverter cost, volume, and weight requirements for mass production of affordable EVs/HEVs. The large ripple currents become even more problematic for the film capacitors (the capacitor technology of choice for EVs/HEVs) in high temperature environments as their ripple current handling capability decreases rapidly with rising temperatures. It is shown in previous work that segmenting the VSI based traction drive system can significantly decrease the ripple currents and thus the size of the dc bus capacitor. This paper presents an integrated packaging scheme to reduce the system cost of a segmented traction drive.
Mononucleotide gas-phase proton affinities as determined by the kinetic method

The goal of this work is to determine the proton affinities of (deoxy)nucleoside 5′- and 3′-monophosphates (mononucleotides) using the kinetic method with fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. The proton affinities of the (deoxy)nucleoside 5′- and 3′-monophosphates yielded the following trend: (deoxy)adenosine monophosphates > (deoxy)guanosine monophosphates > (deoxy)cytidine monophosphates ≫ deoxythymidine/uridine monophosphates. In all cases the proton affinity decreases or remains the same with the addition of the phosphate group from those values reported for nucleosides. The proton affinity is dependent on the location of the phosphate backbone (5′- vs. 3′-phosphates): the 3′-monophosphates have lower proton affinities than the 5′-monophosphates except for the thymidine/uridine monophosphates where the trend is reversed. Molecular modeling was utilized to determine if multiple protonation sites and intramolecular hydrogen bond formation would influence the proton affinity measurements. Semiempirical calculations of the proton affinities at various locations on each mononucleotide were performed and compared to the experimental results. The possible influence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the nucleobases and the phosphate group on the measured and calculated proton affinities is discussed.
Water-Soluble Extractives of Disposable Syringes Nature and Significance

Disposable syringes have found wide application in clinical and laboratory medicine. They are used for many purposes in addition to injection of drugs, such as the transfer of radioactive solutions, sterilization of solutions (when used in conjunction with an ultrafiltering device), withdrawal of blood, etc. It is generally assumed that they are made of materials that are essentially chemically inert. However, two brands of disposable syringes, selected at random, were examined and found to yield water-soluble extractives. The extractives from the two brands were different materials. One extractive has been identified as 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole. Biological activity (fungistatic and insecticidal) has been ascribed to this substance. The second extractive has not been identified but was found to inhibit the in vitro hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by cardiac actomyosin. These findings indicate that at least some types of disposable syringes may not be considered as interchangeable with glass syringes.
Dietary influence on antinuclear antibodies and cell-mediated immunity in NZB mice.

The influence of two different commerical diets on immune parameters of 8–11-month-old New Zealand Black (NZB) female mice has been presented. A diet relatively high in fat and low in protein favored
Synthesis of UNIX Programs Using Derivational Analogy

The feasibility of derivational analogy as a mechanism for improving problem-solving behavior has been shown for a variety of problem domains by several researchers. However, most of the implemented systems have been empirically evaluated in the restricted context of an already supplied base analog or on a few isolated examples. In this paper we describe a derivational analogy based system, APU, that synthesizes UNIX shell scripts from a high-level problem specification. APU uses top-down decomposition of problems, employing a hierarchical planner and a layered knowledge base of rules, and is able to speed up the derivation of programs by using derivational analogy. We assume that the problem specification is encoded in the vocabulary used by the rules. We describe APU's retrieval heuristics that exploit this assumption to automatically retrieve a good analog for a target problem from a case library, as well as its replay algorithm that enables it to effectively reuse the solution of an analogous problem to derive a solution for a new problem. We present experimental results to assess APU's performance, taking into account the cost of retrieving analogs from a sizable case library. We discuss the significance of the results and some of the issues in using derivational analogy to synthesize programs.
Pediatric cardiac surgical ECMO: multivariate analysis of risk factors for hospital death.

Background. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as an effective technique for the mechanical support of many pediatric postcardiotomy patients with medically refractory cardiac failure. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 73 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease who were placed on ECMO support between August 1984 and February 1994. The patients were divided into groups defined by the timing of ECMO cannulation relative to the time of operation. Group 1 patients (n = 7, 9.6%) were placed on ECMO preoperatively. Group 2 patients (n = 66, 90.4%) were a heterogeneous population placed on ECMO at any interval after cardiac repair. Subgroup 2A consisted of patients (n = 17, 25.8%) who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass and were converted directly to ECMO support immediately after repair. Subgroup 2B patients (n = 49, 74.2%) were cannulated postoperatively after an initial period of clinical stability. Results. Hospital survival for all study patients (42/73) and for group 2 patients (38/66) was 58%. Only 4 group 2A patients (23.5%) survived their hospitalization compared with 34 group 2B patients (69.4%) ( p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified elevated right atrial pressure after ECMO decannulation ( p = 0.049) and, possibly, membership in group 2A ( p = 0.061) as independent risk factors for hospital death. Conclusions. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is most effective in salvaging pediatric cardiac surgical patients who demonstrate medically refractory hemodynamic deterioration at some interval after being successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. The right atrial pressure after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation is an independent predictor of hospital death.
Acylation of lithium z-β-lithioacrylates: Application to a short synthesis of lepiochlorin

Abstract Studies on the acylation of lithium Z-β-lithioacrylates including a short synthesis of lepiochlorin are described.
Analysis of transient data in noise

A linear prediction method for accurately estimating the parameters of a rational model of transient-type data is presented. This method makes use of the singular value decomposition of an extended-order autocorrelation-like matrix estimate associated with the time series being analysed. The method is first tested on simulated data consisting of three exponentially damped sinusoids of closely spaced frequencies in additive white Gaussian noise. Next, the method is used to analyse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data.
Immunoglobulin in fetal lamb lung and its fluid.

SummaryTn this study, the protein fractions present in lyophilized and nonlyophilized fetal lamb lung fluid were determined. Immunoelectrophoresis showed a gamma fraction with a fast electrophoretic migration which reacted only against antilung fluid. The specificity of this immunoglobulin was confirmed by immunodiffusion gel technique (Ouchterlony). Specific gamma fluorescence was present in the bronchiolar epithelium and glands, but was not present in the alveoli. The presence of a gamma globulin fraction in both lung tissue and lung fluid suggests a relationship involving local synthesis in the lung. The unidentified fetal lung fluid gamma globulin that was detected was not IgG and appeared to be peculiar to that biological fluid.
Automated style feedback for advanced beginner Java programmers

We created an Eclipse plug-in called FrenchPress that offers students feedback on their Java programming style. It is designed not for novices but for students taking their second or third Java course. Advanced beginner students know enough to produce a program with the desired input/output behavior, but fail to understand it could still be poorly written. Large class sizes in introductory courses make it difficult for instructors to give their students individualized attention. FrenchPress automates a small subset of the feedback students might have received from educators. The system diagnoses issues characteristic of programmers who have not yet assimilated the object-oriented paradigm, such as misuse of the public modifier, fields that should have been local variables, and instance variables that should have been class constants. We conducted a classroom trial of the plug-in covering four assignments in data structures and algorithms. Among students whose code triggered one or more diagnostic rules, the percentage who modified their program in response to FrenchPress feedback varied from a high of 59% on the first project to a low of 23% on the second and fourth projects. On the user surveys following each assignment, 56–66% of respondents said they were satisfied with FrenchPress performance.
Prediction of optimal safe ground water yield and land subsidence in the Los Banos-Kettleman City area, California, using a calibrated numerical simulation model

Land subsidence caused by the excessive use of ground water resources has traditionally caused serious and costly damage to the Los Banos-Kettleman City area of California's San Joaquin Valley. Although the arrival of surface water from the Central Valley Project has reduced subsidence in recent decades, the growing instability of surface water supplies has refocused attention on the future of land subsidence in the region. This paper uses integrated numerical ground water and land subsidence models to simulate land subsidence caused by ground water overdraft. The simulation model is calibrated using observed data from 1972 to 1998, and the responsiveness of the model to variations in subsidence parameters are analyzed through a sensitivity analysis. A probable future drought scenario is used to evaluate the effect on land subsidence of three management alternatives over the next thirty years. The model reveals that maintaining present practices virtually eliminates unrecoverable land subsidence, but may not be a sustainable alternative because of a growing urban population to the south and concern over the ecological implications of water exportation from the north. The two other proposed management alternatives reduce the dependency on surface water by increasing ground water withdrawal. Land subsidence is confined to tolerable levels in the more moderate of these proposals, while the more aggressive produces significant long-term subsidence. Finally, an optimization model is formulated to determine maximum ground water withdrawal from nine pumping sub-basins without causing irrecoverable subsidence during the forecast period. The optimization model reveals that withdrawal can be increased in certain areas on the eastern side of the study area without causing significant inelastic subsidence.
Drivers of information disclosure on health information exchange platforms: insights from an exploratory empirical study.

Objective The objective of this research is to empirically explore the drivers of patients’ consent to sharing of their medical records on health information exchange (HIE) platforms. Materials and Methods The authors analyze a dataset consisting of consent choices of 20 076 patients in Western New York. A logistic regression is applied to empirically investigate the effects of patients’ age, gender, complexity of medical conditions, and the role of primary care physicians on patients’ willingness to disclose medical information on HIE platforms. Results The likelihood of providing consent increases by age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.055; P < .0001). Female patients are more likely to provide consent (OR = 1.460; P = .0003). As the number of different physicians involved in the care of the patient increases, the odds of providing consent slightly increases (OR = 1.024; P = .0031). The odds of providing consent is significantly higher for the patients whom a primary care physician has been involved in their medical care (OR = 1.323; P < .0001). Conclusion Individual-level characteristics are important predictors of patients’ willingness to disclose their medical information on HIE platforms.