cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A partitioning advisory system for networked data‐parallel processing

With the increased performance capabilities of desktop computers, networked computing has become a popular vehicle for using parallelism to solve a variety of computationally intense problems. However, node heterogeneity and high communication costs may limit performance unless the problem space is carefully partitioned across the network in a way that considers both the capabilities of the machines and the high network communication costs. We describe an advisory system that is designed to help the programmer, compiler or run-time environment choose the best decomposition strategy for partitioning specific data-parallel applications across a given collection of machines. The system includes provisions for assessing the capabilities of the participating machines and the network in light of the current workload. Given information about the problem space, the machine speeds and the network, the system provides a ranking of three standard partitioning methods. We test the validity of our system by comparing the observed relative performance with predicted relative performance of different data decompositions on a program with a variable number of floating point operations and a 5-point stencil communication pattern.
Synthesis of Well-Defined Allyl End-Functionalized Polystyrene by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization with an Allyl Halide Initiator

Synthesis of Well-Defined Allyl End-Functionalized Polystyrene by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization with an Allyl Halide Initiator
International Dimensions of Psychological Ethics

Psychological ethics has slowly become internationalized, though most psychologists in theUnitedStatesareunfamiliarwiththeworkandmovementsininternationalethics.Recentnationalethics code developments, work on international acceptance of ethical principles, and regionaland international codes of ethics highlight this internationalism. The purpose of this special issueis to highlight both international developments and international considerations of psychologicalethics. An introduction to the internationalization of psychological ethics is presented, followedby an overview of this special issue.International developments in ethics range from research efforts to national developments tointernational organizations. First, research has been conducted ranging from comparing ethicscodes to comparing ethical dilemmas across countries. For example, Leach and Harbin (1997)found 10 “universal” standards among codes and unique cultural standards, whereas Leach andOakland (2007) determined the number of countries that hold common testing ethical standardswith that of the American Psychological Association (APA) code. The idea of an eventual com-mon ethics code is probably not feasible or even appropriate given cultural nuances that comprisenational ethics codes. However, as the discipline of psychology becomes more formalized in in-creasing numbers of countries, some common standards and principles are likely to follow. If adiscipline’s values and beliefs are highlighted in ethics codes, then it is through these commonethical standards and principles that we can begin to understand common beliefs of psychology asa profession internationally. Other areas of research have also been conducted to better under-stand ethical similarities and differences across countries and cultures. For example, Pettifor andSawchuk (2006) presented common ethically troubling incidents across cultures, at least amongWestern cultures.Second, the
The use of multiple thresholds and segregation analysis in analyzing the phenotypic heterogeneity of multifactorial traits

(1) Three models based on multifactorial inheritance are introduced to account for phenotypic heterogeneities. These models are used to determine whether subforms of a triat are: (a) different degrees of the same process, (b) non-familial environmental variants of the same process, and (c) independently transmitted processes. (2) The parameters of each model consist of two population prevalences and either one, two, or three correlation coefficients which reflect the three hypotheses given above. The models are formulated so that a likelihood ratio test may be performed to discriminate between them. (3) The following types of analyses are described: (a) analysis of prevalence data with separate population prevalence estimates, (b) analysis of prevalence data with the proband a parent with specified spouse, (c) analysis of prevalence data with the proband an offspring with specified parents, and (d) the full segregation distribution of families using Complex Segregation Analysis. (4) When compared with the Analysis of Prevalences, Complex Segregation Analysis has the following advantages: (a) the number of degrees of freedom for parameter estimates is greater and separate estimates of the population prevalences are not necessary, (b) standard errors of the parameters are smaller, and (c) the power to discriminate models is increased. (5) Phenotypic heterogeneities such as age of onset, severity, and sex effect can be more completely understood by the methods of analyses described above. The nosology of familial disorders can also be clarified, and environments relevant to the transmission of the trait can be detected. This approach is particularly suitable for the analysis for behavioural traits since it does not require the assumption that environmental effects common to relatives be ignored. (6) Finally, our experience indicates that incorporating both prevalence and pedigree data into a single analysis decreases the time required to perform the analysis.
K Channel Activation Kinetics

Based on x-ray analysis and other evidence, the V-gate of a K+ channel opens after outward movement of the S4 segment of the four subunits, each S4 moving in four steps. K+ channel kinetics have been empirically described as governed by four “n” particles (Hodgkin and Huxley) each with two possible positions, deactivated and activated, with all four activated for conduction; and more recently as a three state scheme for the S4 segments, resting, preactivated, and activated, followed by an opening ‘concerted’ step. We examined Ig of nonconducting ShB∆N W434F. In agreement with previous data, Ig during activation at high voltage has a rising phase, with no rising phase for small depolarizations. Strikingly, the deactivation tails at –80 have only two kinetic components. A fast quasi-exponential tail follows small depolarizations. Following large depolarizations that open all V-gates, the quasi-exponential component is absent, and the initial amplitude of Ig is zero: the open V-gate paralyzes all S4 motion, but Ig rises in amplitude as some V-gates close, then decays as the pool of open gates is exhausted. All Ig tails can be accurately reconstructed from these two components. Fitting with the minimal kinetic scheme (70 states) that describes four S4 segments each with four positions, we find that the 1st step (in which R1 moves from inside, near Shaker E293, to outside, near E283) is approximately 10 times slower than the next 3 steps (R2, 3, and 4 move from inside to outside). In the fourth step K5 moves to E293, a relatively stable position. On deactivation when the V-gate is not open, reversal of the fourth step is rate limiting, and the kinetics are quasi-exponential. These findings explain both the kinetics of activation and deactivation, and the steepness of the Q-V curve.
Splitting CO2 into CO and O2 by a single catalyst

The metal complex [(tpy)(Mebim-py)RuII(S)]2+ (tpy = 2,2′ : 6′,2′′-terpyridine; Mebim-py = 3-methyl-1-pyridylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene; S = solvent) is a robust, reactive electrocatalyst toward both water oxidation to oxygen and carbon dioxide reduction to carbon monoxide. Here we describe its use as a single electrocatalyst for CO2 splitting, CO2 → CO + 1/2 O2, in a two-compartment electrochemical cell.
Soft Leadership: A New Direction to Leadership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore a new leadership style – “soft leadership” – which is needed in a interconnected, global, and technocratic world.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a combination of research into a new leadership style with a question and answer session during an International Leadership Association (ILA) webinar.Findings – The paper discovers how the soft leaders adopt tools such as influence, persuasion, negotiation, appreciation, motivation, and collaboration for the collective good. It explains how soft leadership is different from other leadership styles. It describes the significance of soft leadership and differentiates between soft and hard leadership through examples. It substantiates with Dave Ulrich's Leadership Code. It provides the questions posed by participants during the webinar organized by International Leadership Association (ILA) with answers. It calls upon readers to consider how leadership insights acquired from this manuscript may be applied...
The NOSAMS sample preparation laboratory in the next millenium: Progress after the WOCE program

Since 1991, the primary charge of the National Ocean Sciences AMS (NOSAMS) facility at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has been to supply high throughput, high precision AMS 14C analyses for seawater samples collected as part of the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE). Approximately 13,000 samples taken as part of WOCE should be fully analyzed by the end of Y2K. Additional sample sources and techniques must be identified and incorporated if NOSAMS is to continue in its present operation mode. A trend in AMS today is the ability to routinely process and analyze radiocarbon samples that contain tiny amounts (<100 μg) of carbon. The capability to mass-produce small samples for 14C analysis has been recognized as a major facility goal. The installation of a new 134-position MC-SNICS ion source, which utilizes a smaller graphite target cartridge than presently used, is one step towards realizing this goal. New preparation systems constructed in the sample preparation laboratory (SPL) include an automated bank of 10 small-volume graphite reactors, an automated system to process organic carbon samples, and a multi-dimensional preparative capillary gas chromatograph (PCGC).
Course of functional improvement after stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Bode RK, Heinemann AW. Course of functional improvement after stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:100-6. Objective: To examine functional improvement patterns of persons with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Statistical analysis of data from a multisite study evaluating rehabilitation outcomes. Setting: Eight inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Participants: A total of 314 consecutive admissions of persons with stroke, SCI, and TBI who received acute medical rehabilitation between 1994 and 1998. Intervention: Calibration of motor and cognitive items from the FIM™ instrument, grouping of cases by number of weeks of rehabilitation (length of stay [LOS] groups), and plotting of weekly averages across time. Main Outcome Measures: Weekly motor and cognitive functional status. Results: With the exception of cognitive functioning for persons with SCI, LOS was related to initial functional status, with patients with greater disability having longer LOS (eg, initial motor status for persons with stroke was 48.3 for those with a 2-week stay, 36.8 for a 6-week stay, with the averages between decreasing monotonically). With the exception of cognitive gains for person with TBIs, the amount of functional gain during rehabilitation was essentially the same for all LOS groups (eg, the overall average total motor gain for persons with SCI is 22.3, with no patterns of increase or decrease across LOS groups); however, the rate of improvement in motor (but not cognitive) functioning differed across LOS groups, with patients with shorter stays having the greater rates of improvement (eg, the overall average weekly motor gain for persons with SCI was 3.6, with the averages by LOS group monotonically decreasing from 6.4 for those with 4-week stays to 2.7 for those with 9-week stays). Conclusions: When examined separately for persons grouped by LOS, functional status improved linearly during the rehabilitation stay, with differences in rate of improvement depending on initial functional status. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Powered Feeding Devices: An Evaluation of Three Models

Abstract Objective: To evaluate and compare three powered feeding devices (Beeson, Handy 1, Winsford) as perceived by disabled individuals who require assistance with eating. Design: Subjects and assistants were surveyed after using each device and serving their own controls. The order in which the devices were used was balanced. Setting: Place of subjects' residence. Subjects: Twelve subjects, ages 11 to 42 years, and their feeding assistants. Intervention: Each device trial covered a 4-day period. Day 1 focused on training to use the device, Days 2 and 3 focused on using the device at home, and on Day 4 subjects returned to the laboratory for debriefing, completing questionnaires, and videotaping. Main Outcome Measure: Subjects and assistants answered questionnaires including Likert-like rankings and yes/no responses regarding functional and esthetic characteristics of each feeding device. Results: Significant differences were found among three powered feeding devices regarding specific design characteristic. Great percentages of both subjects and their feeding assistants responded that the devices were an improvement over how they were currently being fed and that they would use such a device on a daily basis. Conclusion: Individuals dependent on others for feeding may benefit from the use of a powered feeding device.
Suicidal Ideation Among Drug-Dependent Treatment-Seeking Inner-City Pregnant Women

The current retrospective study compared the psychiatric and lifestyle characteristics of two groups of treatment-seeking pregnant, opiate and/or cocaine dependent women admitted to the Center for Addiction and Pregnancy (CAP). Women reporting past and/or current suicidal ideation (SI) (46%; n = 35) were compared to women who did not report thoughts of suicidal ideation (NSI) (54%; n = 41). SI women were more likely to be homeless (p = .020), to report histories of emotional (p = .022), physical (p < 001), sexual abuse (p = .002) and psychiatric treatment (p < .001), and less likely to be married (p = .024) than NSI women. Psychiatrically, SI women were more likely to have co-morbid current and lifetime disorders than NSI women. These findings highlight the need to identify women with histories of suicidal ideation, recognize the potential relapse risk imposed by emotional distress, and confront these issues in treatment.
Genetic strategies for dissecting mammalian and Drosophila voltage-dependent anion channel functions.

Voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs), also known as mitochondrial porins, are a family of small pore-forming proteins of the mitochondrial outer membrane that are found in all eukaryotes. VDACs are thought to play important roles in the regulated flux of metabolites between the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments, in overall energy metabolism via interactions with cytosolic kinases, and a debated role in programmed cell death (apoptosis). The mammalian genome contains three VDAC loci termed Vdac1, Vdac2, and Vdac3, raising the question as to what function each isoform may be performing. Based upon expression studies of the mouse VDACs in yeast, biophysical differences can be identified but the physiologic significance of these differences remains unclear. Creation of “knockout” cell lines and mice that lack one or more VDAC isoforms has led to the characterization of distinct phenotypes that provide a different set of insights into function which must be interpreted in the context of complex physiologic systems. Functions in male reproduction, the central nervous system and glucose homeostasis have been identified and require a deeper and more mechanistic examination. Annotation of the genome sequence of Drosophila melanogaster has recently revealed three additional genes (CG17137, CG17139, CG17140) with homology to porin, the previously described gene that encodes the VDAC of D. melanogaster. Molecular analysis of these novel VDACs has revealed a complex pattern of gene organization and expression. Sequence comparisons with other insect VDAC homologs suggest that this gene family evolved through a mechanism of duplication and divergence from an ancestral VDAC gene during the radiation of the genus Drosophila. Striking similarities to mouse VDAC mutants can be found that emphasize the conservation of function over a long evolutionary time frame.
The growth of four human and animal enteroviruses in the central nervous systems of mice.

The pattern of CNS infection of four enteroviruses, Coxsackievirus A14, encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus, GDVII virus, and Vilyuisk virus, was investigated. The regional sites of virus replication were correlated with pathological changes. These viruses were found to replicate and produce similar lesions in selected sites in the mouse CNS during acute infection. Virus antigen and histological lesions were essentially confined to the gray matter, with additional but less direct support for this being provided by virus assay of CNS regions. Virus antigen only could be confidently identified in neurons, and, histologically, neurons were observed in various stages of degeneration. The distribution of the involvement varied in the different infections. For example, EMC virus infection primarily affected the cerebral hemispheres and thalamus, while Coxsackievirus A14 infection predominantly involved the brainstem and spinal cord. GDVII and Vilyuisk virus infections more uniformly involved the entire neuraxis. There was no evidence of virus replication in the olfactory bulbs, leptomeninges, ependyma, choroid plexus, and vascular endothelium. The cerebellum was generally spared, with the cerebellar hemispheres affected only in Coxsackievirus A14 infection. It therefore appears that enteroviruses selectively infect different populations of nerve cells
State-specific estimates of state and local government capital

Abstract I present estimates of capital accumulation by state and local governments in each state between 1960 and 1988, based on information from the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Such estimates are useful for many research purposes. Munnell (1990a) also estimates state and local government capital using similar sources, but exploits the data in a different manner. In the method employed by Munnell, the capital stock in a state is sensitive to relative rates of capital accumulation among all states. In practice, the approach used herein results in larger public sector capital stocks in higher-population states.
A freeze-fracture study of the periodontal ligament of the rat.

Fibroblasts of the rat periodontal ligament were studied in situ by the freeze-fracture technique. Large surfaces of the protoplasmic and extracellular faces of the cell membrane as well as, the membranes of the RER, Golgi apparatus, and other cytoplasmic organelles were viewed at the ultrastructural level. Intramembrane particles representing membrane proteins were visualized, and their concentration in various membranes measured. Features of the fibroblast cell surface appearing as rough patches were interpreted to represent areas of possible cell-to-matrix interaction. The use of the freeze-fracture technique in further studies of PDL fibroblast-matrix contact is discussed.
Seeing what you hear: Visual feedback improves pitch recognition

The present study examined the effect of visual feedback on the ability to recognise and consolidate pitch information. We trained two groups of nonmusicians to play a piano piece by ear, having one group receiving uninterrupted audiovisual feedback, while allowing the other only to hear, but not see their hand on the keyboard. Results indicate that subjects for whom visual information was deprived showed significantly poorer ability to recognise pitches from the musical piece they had learned. These results are interesting since pitch recognition ability would not intuitively seem to rely on visual feedback. In addition, we show that subjects with previous experience in computer touch-typing made fewer errors during training when trained with no visual feedback, but did not show improved pitch recognition ability posttraining. Our results demonstrate how sensory redundancy increases robustness of learning, and further encourage the use of audiovisual training procedures for facilitating the learning of new skills.
A Shared Random Access Memory Resource for Multiprocessor Real-Time Systems

A shared random-access memory resource is described which is used within real-time data acquisition and control systems with multiprocessor and multibus organizations. Hardware and software aspects are discussed in a specific example where interconnections are done via a UNIBUS. The general applicability of the approach is also discussed.
Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of pancreatic carcinoma.

Carcinoma of the pancreas was diagnosed in 13 patients by percutaneous fine needle aspiration. The tumor was localized by angiography in eight, ultrasound in five, and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in three patients. In four patients aspiration was performed using two of the three localizing techniques
Interbacterial Transfer of Escherichia coli -- Drosophila melanogaster Recombinant Plasmids

Recombinants were constructed between various Escherichia coli plasmids and fragments of Drosophila melanogaster DNA. These recombinant plasmids are nonconjugative, but can be mobilized from one cell to another by conjugative sex factors. Of 47 recombinants studied, 46 were mobilized at approximately the same or slightly lower frequencies than the parental plasmids, whereas one was mobilized 1000 times less efficiently.
Aerobic biological treatment of 2,4-dinitrotoluene in munitions plant wastewater

Abstract Wastewater from the manufacture of propellants typically contains 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), a known animal carcinogen. Previous studies have indicated that DNT is aerobically biodegradable. However, inconsistent removal of DNT during aerobic treatment has been observed at a munitions wastewater treatment plant, necessitating the use of activated carbon pretreatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutrient and cosubstrate amendments on the rate and extent of DNT removal. Addition of ethanol (100–500 mg/l) and phosphate (0.8–3.3 mg/l) significantly accelerated the rate of aerobic DNT (0.3–5.6 mg/l) biodegradation. Addition of phosphate alone also increased the rate of DNT degradation, but to a lesser degree. The presence of ethyl ether, another substrate commonly found in munitions plant wastewater, had comparatively little affect on the rate of DNT removal. Interruptions in the DNT manufacturing process can result in DNT being absent from the munitions plant wastewater for extended periods. The effect of such interruptions was evaluated in semicontinuously operated reactors, fed daily with phosphate-amended wastewater (containing no detectable background level of DNT), at a hydraulic residence time of 3 d. DNT was added at varying intervals (from once every 3 d to once every 15 d). DNT removal resumed without a lag even after it was absent from the feed for periods up to 15 d. During aerobic biodegradation of DNT, reduction to 4-amino-2-nitrotoluene and 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene was consistently observed, with reduction at the para position predominating. The highest level of aminonitrotoluene formation was 23% of the total DNT degraded. Aminonitrotoluene isomers were consumed within 1 d after the DNT disappeared in the semicontinuously operated reactors, confirming the potential for degradation of these metabolites. Although the aminonitrotoluene isomers are not currently regulated, their presence in treated munitions wastewater is a concern due to possible toxicity.
Effect of Methanol on Carbonate Equilibrium and Calcite Solubility in a Gas/Methanol/Water/Salt Mixed System

Methanol is a common industrial solvent and is added to water to enhance hydrocarbon solubility and to prevent solid hydrate from forming, as well as other applications. One of the side effects of ...
Epigenetic regulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in acute myeloid leukemia

We have demonstrated that constitutive signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 activity, observed in approximately 50% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, is associated with adverse treatment outcome. Constitutive STAT3 activation may result from the expression of oncogenic protein tyrosine kinases or from autocrine stimulation by hematopoietic growth factors. These causes are generally neither necessary nor sufficient for leukemogenesis; additional transforming events or growth stimulatory processes are needed. Here we review the literature addressing epigenetic regulation as a mechanism controlling STAT3 signaling in AML. A better understanding of mechanisms of dysregulation of STAT signaling pathways may serve as a basis for designing novel therapeutic strategies that target these pathways in leukemia cells.
The inheritance of enlarged tergum in Culex pipiens.

Englarged tergum (et), an autosomal recessive in linkage group II, is described. It is highly, if not completely, penetrant, with moderate variation in expressivity. The data presented, although heterogeneous, indicate 18% recombination between et and y and 20.4% recombination between y and ru, y being between et and ru. The latter value compares favorably with those in previous studies. There was no apparent difference in recombination ratio between the sexes. The linkage relationships of all known markers in linkage group II are discussed.
Human behavior, pathology and self-regulation

At some point along the bell curve human behavior crosses a threshold of pathology and falls within the boundaries of clinical psychiatry. Yet psychiatric pathology is not a black and white phenomenon. Conditions of the DSM and ICD are not discrete entities. Many symptoms of psychiatric conditions represent qualities of human behavior distributed along a normal bell curve. Individuals at the lower tail of the curve are so different from others and experience such a severe level of adversity and impairment as to warrant diagnosis and intervention. In fact, it is increasingly apparent the bell curve phenomenon is reflective of many of the most common psychiatric conditions. As efforts are underway to create DSM-V, it is also increasingly apparent that a symptom count system is necessary but not sufficient to provide valid and reliable diagnostic categories. In facts, recent editions of the DSM and ICD have focused increasingly on age of onset, situational presentation and most importantly, levels of impairment. Relative to impairment, equal presentation of symptoms is not the equivalent of suggesting equal presentation of impairment (Gordon et al., 2006). In the condition currently defined in the DSM as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, these researchers demonstrated that symptom presentation and severity predicts only a part of the variance in explaining overall level of impairment in every day life. It is also increasingly recognized that weaknesses in certain neuropsychological processes such as self-regulation, executive functioning or planning contribute to psychiatric symptom presentation and impairment. These therefore represent the foundational explanations for certain psychiatric conditions. ADHD is one such condition in which symptoms and, to some extent, impairment are driven by weak abilities. Weaknesses in executive functions related to planning, working memory and impulse control compromise an individual’s ability to meet daily expectations leading to symptoms and impairments crossing clinical, diagnostic thresholds (Boonstra et al., 2005). Rates of ADHD among relatives of each subtype group of ADHD have been found to be greater than among relatives of controls (Faraone et al., 2000). The genetic contribution to ADHD has been postulated by a number of authors (Hechtman, 1993; Swanson et al., 2000). The underlying genetic mechanism has been suggested to be associated with multiple genes principally involving polymorphisms in the dopamine system. The heritability of ADHD has also repeatedly been found to be high. As Levy et al. (1997) note ADHD has an exceptionally high heritability compared with other behavioral disorders. These authors reported that 82% of monozygotic twins and 38% of dizygotic twins made an eight symptom ADHD cut-off for proband concordances.
Q: How can I effectively manage generational and cultural diversity

It’s a disappointing fact that the top decision makers in too many businesses consist of white, middle‐aged men. This is despite phenomenal changes in the labour force over the past 20‐30 years. This is an alarming situation, for ethical reasons and because it reinforces a “blinkered”, narrowly focused management culture that stifles the ability to identify market opportunities, both at home and overseas.
Optics of ion beams of arbitrary perveance extracted from a plasma

A new iteration scheme is proposed for the solution of the ion optics of high current ion beams extracted from a plasma. The scheme (a) requires far less computational effort than other schemes; (b) converges for arbitrary perveance; (c) allows the solution of the problem far back into the extraction plasma and (d) is not geometry dependent, so it should be usable for a wide variety of situations.
HIGH PERFORMANCE PARALLELIZED CENTROID ESTIMATION OF IMAGE COMPONENTS FOR FULL FIELD MEASUREMENTS

Full field measurement methods require digital image processing algorithms to accomplish centroid identification of components of the image of a deforming structure and track them through subsequent video frames in order to establish displacement and strain measurements. Unfortunately, these image processing algorithms are the most computationally expensive tasks performed in such methods. In this work we present a set of new algorithms that can be used to identify centroids of image features that are shown to be orders of magnitude faster than conventional algorithms. These algorithms are based on employing efficient data structures and algorithmic flows tailored to optimally fit in shared memory parallel architectures.© 2014 ASME
The carboxyl terminal extension of the Drosophila insulin receptor homologue binds IRS-1 and influences cell survival.

The Drosophila insulin receptor (INR) homolog includes an extension of approximately 400 amino acids at the carboxyl-terminal end of its β subunit containing several tyrosine-based motifs known to mediate interactions with signaling proteins. In order to explore the role of this extension in INR function, mammalian expression vectors encoding either the complete INR β subunit (β-Myc) or the INR β subunit without the carboxyl-terminal extension (βΔ) were constructed, and the membrane-bound β subunits were expressed in 293 and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells in the absence of the ligand-binding α subunits. β-Myc and βΔ proteins were constitutively active tyrosine kinases of 180 and 102 kDa, respectively. INR β-Myc co-immunoprecipitated a phosphoprotein of 170 kDa identified as insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), whereas INR βΔ did not, suggesting that the site of interaction was within the carboxyl-terminal extension. IRS-1 was phosphorylated on tyrosine to a much greater extent in cells expressing INR β-Myc than in parental or INR βΔ cells. Despite this, a variety of PTB or SH2 domain-containing signaling proteins, including IRS-2, mSos-1, Shc, p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, SHP-2, Raf-1, and JAK2, were not associated with the INR β-Myc·IRS-1 complex. Overexpression of INR β-Myc and βΔ kinases conferred an equivalent increase in cell proliferation in both 293 and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, indicating that this growth response is independent of the carboxyl-terminal extension. However, INR β-Myc-expressing cells exhibited enhanced survival relative to parental and βΔ cells, suggesting that the carboxyl-terminal extension, through its interaction with IRS-1, plays a role in the regulation of cell death.
Exploring the neonatal salivary transcriptome: technical optimization and clinical applications.

There are many challenges associated with neonatal research. Neonates have limited blood volumes, are often too fragile for invasive procedures, and parental consent is difficult to obtain in studies involving experimental drugs or therapies. Hence, there is a strong need to develop new techniques for noninvasive neonatal monitoring in order to identify novel biomarkers that elucidate biological functions and predict disease states. Neonatal saliva overcomes many of the hurdles associated with research in neonates and offers the investigator a new and exciting sample source for exploring neonatal biology. As a product of whole blood filtration in the salivary glands, saliva contains water, electrolytes, proteins and genetic material. While the majority of cellular nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) contained in saliva originate from the buccal mucosa, cell-free nucleic acids originate from a wide variety of sources within the body. Thus, saliva has been deemed “the mirror of the body” with a biomarker profile that is similar to plasma [1–2]. Although dentists have long explored the diagnostic potential of saliva, the application of salivary analyses to neonates has been slow to emerge [3–4]. This delayed transition may be due to inherent technical challenges associated with limited neonatal salivary volumes, combined with a paucity of data delineating the clinical utility of neonatal salivary analyses. To address these issues, our research has focused on neonatal salivary gene expression, also known as the salivary transcriptome. This work highlights the enormous amount of informative, and potentially diagnostic, data available from neonatal saliva, and demonstrates how key developmental pathways may be targeted and explored. As part of our research, we have optimized acquisition protocols and extraction techniques to provide the researcher with the tools necessary to generate data on multiple diagnostic platforms from quantitatively limited salivary samples. This research is allowing us to explore physiological and pathological processes in premature neonates and utilize real-time clinical information derived from the salivary transcriptome to improve neonatal care and outcomes.
Theoretical Alternatives and Social Research

Six pairs of alternatives in general sociological theory are presented. A survey of current sociological research is reported in which each research article is classified in terms of the theoretical alternatives. Current research implicitly tends to be structural, irrational, integrationist, causal, simple, and deterministic. Seldom are research findings explicitly brought to bear on these theoretical issues. Instead, the alternatives generally are treated as assumptions which are implicit in the research designs or interpretation of findings of the research. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Water activation of Mg2Ni for hydrogenuptake

Abstract Though the alloy, Mg 2 Ni, has desirable properties for storageof hydrogen, its application has been hindered by the difficulty of its initial activation for hydrogenuptake. A number of methods have been reported for activation of Mg 2 Ni. While someof these methods utilize aqueous solutions, there has been no report of activation with pure water.It has been demonstrated in this laboratory that magnesium nickel alloy can be activated forhydrogen uptake by treatment with water for as little as 2 min. Increasing the treatment time withwater increases the amount of hydrogen absorbed and increases the longevity of the activation.Thermal data, scanning electron microscopic data, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic data arepresented in a discussion of the activation of magnesium nickel alloy with water.
Investigation of Laplace barriers for arrayed electrowetting lab-on-a-chip.

Partial-post Laplace barriers have been postulated as a means to allow electrowetting transport and geometrical reshaping of fluids, followed by the preservation of fluid geometry after the electrowetting voltage is removed. Reported here is the first investigation of Laplace barriers with the arrayed electrodes and splitting/merging transport functions for an electrowetting lab-on-a-chip. Laplace barriers optimized for 500 × 500 μm2 electrodes and 78 μm channel height are shown to provide geometrical control of fluid shape down to radii of curvature of ∼70 μm. The Laplace barriers increase the splitting volume error, but with proper electrical control, the average error in the split volume is reduced to 5%. Improved programmable fluid storage in droplets or reservoirs and continuous channel flow are also shown. This work confirms the potential benefits of Laplace barriers for lab-on-a-chip and also reveals the unique challenges and operation requirements for Laplace barriers in lab-on-a-chip applications.
A cutting-plane algorithm for solving a weighted influence interdiction problem

We consider a two-stage defender-attacker game that takes place on a network, in which the attacker seeks to take control over (or "influence") as many nodes as possible. The defender acts first in this game by protecting a subset of nodes that cannot be influenced by the attacker. With full knowledge of the defender's action, the attacker can then influence an initial subset of unprotected nodes. The influence then spreads over a finite number of time stages, where an uninfluenced node becomes influenced at time t if a threshold number of its neighbors are influenced at time t?1. The attacker's objective is to maximize the weighted number of nodes that are influenced over the time horizon, where the weights depend both on the node and on the time at which that is influenced. This defender-attacker game is especially difficult to optimize, because the attacker's problem itself is NP-hard, which precludes a standard inner-dualization approach that is common in many interdiction studies. We provide three models for solving the attacker's problem, and develop a tailored cutting-plane algorithm for solving the defender's problem. We then demonstrate the computational efficacy of our proposed algorithms on a set of randomly generated instances.
Numerical simulations of shock/boundary layer interactions using time-dependent modeling techniques: A survey of recent results

Abstract Supersonic or hypersonic flows within and around flight vehicles inevitably involve interactions of strong shock waves with boundary layers. Flows within inlet/isolator configurations, and flows induced by control surface deflections are some examples. Such interactions are time dependent in nature and are often subject to low-frequency, large-scale motion that induces local pressure and heating loads. With recent increases in available computer power, it has now become possible to simulate such interactions at experimentally relevant Reynolds numbers using time-dependent techniques, such as direct numerical simulation (DNS), large-eddy simulation (LES), and hybrid large-eddy simulation/Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (LES–RANS) methods. This paper will survey some recent work in this area and will describe insights in shock/boundary layer interaction physics gained by using these high-fidelity methods. Attention will be focused on studies that compare directly with experimental data at the same (or nearly the same) Reynolds number. Challenges in the application of these techniques to even more complicated high-speed flow fields are also outlined.
Selecting a safe power level for an indoor implanted UWB wireless biotelemetry link

In this paper we analyze a wireless biotelemetry link for an implanted UWB antenna located in the upper arm of a human. We use finite element analysis to characterize the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the surrounding tissue to determine the limits on transmitter power level for safe operation within the FCC restrictions on implanted electronics. We show the tradeoffs of safe transmit power levels verses bit error rate (BER), distance and data rate (Rb) for line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS) indoor propagation channels. A link budget is created to determine the received power levels for our FCC SAR compliant system as a function of distance, data rate and system bandwidth. Results demonstrate that for a BER of 1e-6 and data rate of 100 Mbps, the biotelemetry system can communicate using FSK modulation for distances up to 3.5 m and 0.7 m assuming worst case LOS and NLOS path loss environments, respectively. The system is analyzed using the maximum bandwidth (7.5 GHz) of the UWB spectrum and various FCC limited transmit power levels.
Letter by Joshi Regarding Article, “Optimal Medical Therapy With or Without Percutaneous Coronary Intervention to Reduce Ischemic Burden: Results From the Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) Trial Nuclear Substudy”

To the Editor: The Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) nuclear substudy demonstrates that when added to optimal medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention reduces the extent of ischemia demonstrated with noninvasive testing and …
Lung Cancer Ablation: Technologies and Techniques

The incidence of lung cancers in 2012 is estimated to reach 226,160 new cases, with only a third of patients suitable surgical candidates. Tumor ablation has emerged as an important and efficacious treatment option for nonsurgical lung cancer patients. This localized minimally invasive therapy is best suited for small oligonodular lesions or favorably located metastatic tumors. Radiofrequency ablation has been in use for over a decade, and newer modalities including microwave ablation, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation have emerged as additional treatment options for patients. Ablation therapies can offer patients and clinicians a repeatable and effective therapy for palliation and, in some cases, cure of thoracic malignancies. This article discusses the available technologies and techniques available for tumor ablation of thoracic malignancies including patient selection, basic aspects of procedure technique, imaging follow-up, treatment outcomes, and comparisons between various therapies.
Dispersion-equation approach to obtaining polarization potentials for quantum-mechanical electron-scattering calculations

The polarization potential for electron-neon scattering is calculated from a dispersion relation relating the real and imaginary parts of the optical potential. The input to the calculation is the absorption potential of Green, Rio, and Ueda. The polarization and absorption potentials, along with a Hartree-Fock static potential and an exchange potential calculated by the semiclassical exchange approximation, are used to predict integral and differential cross sections for elastic scattering at impact energies 30-3000 eV. The results are compared to those obtained with Hartree-Fock adiabatic polarization and in the static-exchange-plus-absorption approximation. The dispersion-relation polarization potential is more successful than either of these models in reproducing the energy dependence of the integral and small-angle differential cross sections over the whole energy range. At 50 eV and higher the calculated values of the large-angle differential cross sections are also reasonably accurate.
Centrifugal Partition Chromatographic Separations of Platinum Group Metals by Complexation and Ion Pair Formation

Base line separation of the chloroanions of the platinum group metals (Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh) in chloride media has been achieved using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) employing a heptane−water phase pair, by both complexation with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and ion pair formation with protonated TOPO (HTOPO+). Extraction of the chloroanions at low acid concentrations (<0.1 M HCl) occurs as the neutral complex MCl2(TOPO)2 irrespective of the chloride concentration, while at higher acid concentrations the chloroanions are extracted by ion pair formation with HTOPO+, which is especially useful in the separation of the kinetically inert species IrCl62- and PtCl62-. The CPC efficiencies for the extraction of Pt(II) and Pd(II) as their MCl2(TOPO)2 complexes are mainly limited by the slow kinetics of dissociation of this complex. This dissociation proceeds by the rapid dissociation of TOPO in a preequilibrium step yielding MCl2(TOPO), which then reacts with Cl- in the rate-limiting step (rls), yielding ...
Genetic aspects of embryo transfer

Use of embryo transfer can lead to increases in rates of genetic improvement from selection programs from as little as 5% to a maximum of near 100%, depending on species, trait, and extent of use of other tools such as A.I. In general, embryo transfer will have much less impact on rates of genetic improvement than A.I., and in a dairy cattle program where A.I. is used effectively, embryo transfer is likely to add less than 10% to rate of genetic improvement. The potential for increasing rate of genetic improvement appears to be greater in beef cattle. In any species with low reproductive rate, embryo transfer offers a potential means of rapidly increasing numbers of animals of a breed, strain, mutant genotype or group exceeding a stringent threshold; such use may be of considerable value to a specific genetic research or multiplication program. Maximizing selection intensity through combined use of A.I. and embryo transfer can lead to a rapid increase in inbreeding, and steps should be taken to avoid this in any population which it is desired to maintain in the long term. Embryo transfer offers an effective tool for research on maternal-fetal and fetal-fetal interactions, and in this way can make important indirect contributions to more efficient breeding programs. With improved embryo storage capability, embryo transfer has the potential for useful contributions in the areas of transfer of germ plasm between countries, preservation of rare breeds, and provision of genetically stable control populations.
Effects of benzquinamide on avoidance behavior and brain amine levels.

Abstract Benzquinamide, the acetate of 2-hydroxy-3-diethylcarbamyl-9,10-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4,6,7-hexahydro-11bH-benzoquinolizine, interferes with conditioned avoidance behavior in rats and monkeys. After doses of benzquinamide that reliably disrupt avoidance behavior, concentrations of noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) in the brain are within normal limits, and overt sedative or parasympathetic symptoms do not occur. Moreover, benzquinamide is only mildly susceptible to antagonism by monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition. The high specificity of behavioral activity demonstrated by benzquinamide contrasts with the nonspecific effects of its parent alcohol : the alcohol is a potent depletor of brain NA and 5-HT, highly susceptible to reversal by an MAO inhibitor, and active in producing reserpine-like symptoms. The rapid and potent effect of benzquinamide on avoidance behavior leads to the conclusion that its avoidance-disrupting activity is mediated by a mechanism other than depletion of NA and 5-HT from the brain.