cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A suggestion for a new approach to the mathematical theory of imitative behavior

The theory of imitative behavior as developed hitherto by the author was based on the assumption that each individual has a natural preference for one of the two mutually exclusive behaviors. The endogenous fluctuations in the central nervous system then result in the individual’s exhibiting the two behaviors alternately with a relative frequency determined by the natural preference. Imitation shifts the natural preference towards one or the other of the two mutually exclusive behaviors. In the present approach it is suggested that the relative frequency of the two mutually exclusive behaviors exhibited alternately is determined by maximizing the “satisfaction function” of the individual, that is by hedonistic factors rather than by purely random fluctuations. Corresponding equations are developed. It is shown that in certain cases, even when the imitation effect is absent, a sort of “pseudoimitation” may occur. Another situation leads, in the case of two individuals only, to a complete “division of labor” between them, with respect to the two behaviors. Each one exhibits only one behavior. After that imitation is introduced explicitly by assuming that imitation by one individual or another increases the satisfaction function of the imitating individual. Results thus obtained show similarities to the results of the old theory.
Regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate metabolism by guanine nucleotides in membranes of cultured newborn rat cardiomyocytes.

Abstract Membranes of cultured newborn rat cardiomyocytes contain enzymatic activities that regulate the formation and the breakdown of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3). GTPγS increased the rate of exogenous [3H]phosphatidyl 4,5-bisphosphate ([3H]PIP2) hydrolysis (Ec50: 40 μM). This effect was dependent on the presence of deoxycholate and maximal at 2 mM deoxycholate. GTPγS increased the efficacy of phospholipase C (PLC) (by 2.3-fold), but did not alter the apparent affinity of the enzyme for PIP2. Other nucleotides, GDPβS and ATPγS, and pyrophosphate also stimulated PIP2 hydrolysis, while AlF4− was ineffective. The effect of GTPγS was not inhibited by GDPβS. The agonists norepinephrine and thrombin, which by themselves had no effect, did not potentiate the response to GTPγS. In contrast, 1,4,5-IP3 hydrolysis was decreased by GTPγS (EC50: 100 μM) as well as by other nucleotides and by pyrophosphate, but not by AIF4−. GDPβS did not antagonize the GTPγS-induced inhibition of IP3 hydrolysis. These results suggest that GTP can stimulate the hydrolysis of exogenous PIP2 by an action on membrane-bound PLC at a site beyond the G protein activating PLC and inhibit the hydrolysis of 1,4,5-IP3 by a mechanism common to all nucleotides. Thus, GTP can regulate 1,4,5-IP3 metabolism by stimulating its formation and inhibiting its breakdown.
The kinetochore of the Hemiptera.

(1) Breakage of chromosomes was induced by X-rays in adult and nymphal males of Euschistus servus, E. tristigmus and Solubea pugnax (Pentatomidae; Hemiptera-Heteroptera). (2) The diffuse nature of the kinetochore is demonstrated by the ability of chromosome fragments to perpetuate themselves mitotically through many cell generations of spermatogonia. (3) Free fragments, when not immobilized by the effects of radiation, are also capable of meiotic mitosis. A holokinetic, rather than a telomeric, nature is thus demonstrated for the meiotic restriction of kinetochore activity to chromosome ends, normal for Heteroptera and certain other Hemiptera. (4) Simple fragmentation as a factor in the evolution of compound sex chromosomes is supported by the observation that fragments of the X chromosome co-orient with the Y in a typical “touch and go” pairing. (5) The results are discussed with relation to problems of kinetochore structure and mitosis.
Modeling Arteriolar Flow and Mass Transport Using the Immersed Boundary Method

Flow in arterioles is determined by a number of interacting factors, including perfusion pressure, neural stimulation, vasoactive substances, the intrinsic contractility of arteriolar walls, and wall shear stress. We have developed a two-dimensional model of arteriolar fluid flow and mass transport. The model includes a phenomenological representation of the myogenic response of the arteriolar wall, in which an increase in perfusion pressure stimulates vasoconstriction. The model also includes the release, advection, diffusion, degradation, and dilatory action of nitric oxide (NO), a potent, but short-lived, vasodilatory agent. Parameters for the model were taken primarily from the experimental literature of the rat renal afferent arteriole. Solutions to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations were approximated by means of a splitting that used upwind differencing for the inertial term and a spectral method for the viscous term and incompressibility condition. The immersed boundary method was used to include the forces arising from the arteriolar walls. The advection of NO was computed by means of a high-order flux-corrected transport scheme; the diffusion of NO was computed by a spectral solver. Simulations demonstrated the efficacy of the numerical methods employed, and grid refinement studies confirmed anticipated first-order temporal convergence and demonstrated second-order spatial convergence in key quantities. By providing information about the effective width of the immersed boundary and sheer stress magnitude near that boundary, the grid refinement studies indicate the degree of spatial refinement required for quantitatively reliable simulations. Owing to the dominating effect of NO advection, relative to degradation and diffusion, simulations indicate that NO has the capacity to produce dilation along the entire length of the arteriole.
Architecture and CAD for FPGAs

Long past are the days when programmable logic (FPGAs and CPLDs) were used only for prototyping and interface logic. Today's modern devices have complicated architectures with close to 200,000 logic elements and flip-flops, dedicated blocks for DSP processing, embedded memories and processors, and support many I/O standards including high-speed serial and now embedded tranceivers. The CAD software to support FPGAs has grown in sophistication and scope to support these larger, more complicated, devices and the size of software groups at FPGA vendors is now larger than all but the biggest EDA companies. Most user designs are now complete systems and go to production as an FPGA.In this tutorial we will talk about recent FPGA and CPLD device architectures and CAD tools, with an emphasis on the interaction between the software and the architecture, and how this has driven recent evolutions and revolutions in PLD architecture. We will discuss the software behind the FPGA - the synthesis, place and route algorithms and CAD flow used to convert a high-level design into a bitstream to program the device. Finally, we will discuss issues in designing hardware for FPGAs, including coding styles to achieve better performance and area, and effective use of dedicated resources on FPGAs.
Identity exploration, identity confusion, and openness as predictors of multicultural ideology

Abstract Research has indicated benefits to individuals and society of holding a multicultural versus colorblind ideology. This cross-sectional study tested the association of endorsement of multiculturalism with the individual difference constructs of identity exploration, identity confusion, and openness. Participants were 188 college students who completed a survey. Multiple regression analyses indicated that identity exploration, identity confusion, and openness independently predicted multicultural ideology. Additionally, identity exploration and identity confusion interacted such that identity exploration was associated with multiculturalism when identity confusion was low, but not when identity confusion was high. These findings indicate that general individual differences in personality and identity are predictive of cultural-related attitudes, and have implications for the design of interventions aimed at increasing multiculturalism.
Social science: Human reproductive assistance.

What is the biological explanation for menopause, and for female survival beyond it? A study suggests that competition for help in ancestral societies may have been key to the evolution of this unusual human trait.
Comparison of HCG, buserelin and luprostiol for induction of ovulation in cycling mares

Summary Sixty nonlactating light-horse mares were used to compare the efficacy of hCG, buserelin (a GnRH analog) and luprostiol (a PGF 2 α analog) for induction of ovulation in cycling mares. Mares were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) controls; 2) 40 μg buserelin IM at 12 hr intervals during estrus until ovulation; 3) 7.5 mg IM luprostiol; and 4) 3,300 IU hCG. Treatments were given once a mare obtained a ≥35mm follicle and had been in estrus ≥2 days. Both buserelin and hCG shortened (p
Semiparametric Geographically Weighted Response Curves with Application to Site-Specific Agriculture

Lack of basic knowledge about spatial and treatment varying crop response to irrigation hinders irrigation management and economic analysis for site-specific agriculture. One model that has been postulated for relating crop-specific economic quantities to irrigation is a quadratic response curve of yield as a function of irrigation. Although this model has far reaching economic interpretations it does not account for spatial variation or possible nitrogen-irrigation interactions. To this end we propose a spatially treatment varying coefficient model that alleviates these limitations while providing measures of uncertainty for the estimated coefficient surfaces as well as other derived quantities of interest. The modeling framework we propose is of independent interest and can be used in many different applications. Finally, an example involving site-specific agricultural data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service demonstrates the applicability of this methodology.
Cluster Analysis of the Coprolites from Antelope House: Implications for Anasazi Diet and Cuisine

This paper reports on a cluster analysis of 155 coprolites from Antelope House, a prehistoric Anasazi site in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona. The analysis revealed three primary clusters; whole kernel maize, milled maize, and nonmaize, which we believe to represent seasonal- and preference-related cuisine. Protein residue analysis on a subsample of the specimens added depth to the analysis.
Synthesis of 13C,2H3-salmeterol: an analytical internal standard for pharmacokinetic studies

A convenient synthesis of an isotopically-labelled version (13C,2H3) of the long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist, salmeterol, is described, starting from methyl salicylate, 1,6-dibromohexane and 4-phenyl-1-butanol. This compound was designed as an analytical internal standard for mass spectrometric determination of salmeterol in pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Avoiding the square-root bottleneck in the Choleski factorization of a matrix on a parallel computer

Abstract The main difficulty in the parallel computation of the Choleski factorization of a matrix is the fact that the square roots must be computed sequentially. We present a new way to compute the Choleski factorization which allows the square roots to be (partially) overlapped. The biggest improvement is obtained when square roots are much slower than divides and multiplies (i.e. when they are implemented in software).
Optimal Bayesian estimation of the median effective dose

Abstract This paper provides some properties of the Fisher information function arising in quantal response bioassay, attribute life testing and dilution assay models. It is shown that the Fisher information function (arising in Probit, Logit and extreme value models) is a totally positive function of order 2 and consequently unimodal as a function of the unknown parameter as well as a function of the design level. A method is provided for obtaining estimates of the shift parameter (median effective dose when scale parameter is known for symmetric tolerance densities) in these models from Bayesian and adaptive Bayesian points of view. We assumme that the prior distribution belongs to a class containing Polya densities of order 2 defined over the real line besides the rectangular densities. Optimality is defined in terms of maximizing the expected Fisher information function. It is shown that the optimal Bayesian estimates exist and are unique under certain conditions on the model and the prior distributions. Optimal Bayesian estimates of the median effective dose for a two stage design set up for Logit model are provided for some prior distributions. It is shown that the tables of optimal Bayesian estimates obtained for the uniform prior can be used for logistic prior as well.
Color center laser and electron impact excitation: Doppler-free spectroscopy in excited helium states☆

Abstract A cw single mode color center laser was used to study infrared transitions between n = 4 and n = 6 states in helium by Doppler-free intermodulated fluorescence spectroscopy. Excited helium atoms are produced by bombarding ground-state helium atoms with low energy electrons. With pulsed excitation and gated detection, the resolution approaches the natural linewidth.
ON SMOOTHING PROPER KNOTS IN 3-MANIFOLDS

A topological proper knot is a proper embedding f:ℝ1→M3 of the real line into an open 3-manifold. Two proper knots are equivalent if they can be connected by a topological proper isotopy. In this paper, we answer a question posed by the author in [6] and show that, up to topological equivalence and orientation, all proper knots running between the opposite ends of D2×ℝ1 are equivalent. Then sufficient conditions for a topological proper knot to be equivalent to a piecewise linear proper knot are given.
Defining the Definitional Perspective on Social Problems

Garfinkel, Harold 1967 Studies in Ethnomethodology. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Pfohl, Stephen 1977 "The 'Discovery' of Child Abuse," Social Problems 24:310-23. 1981 "An Interview with Stephen J. Pfohl," with Robert Menzies. Canadian Criminology Forum 4:61-72. 1985 Images of Deviance and Social Control: A Sociological History. New York: McGraw-Hill. Ryan, Michael 1982 Marxism and Deconstruction: A Critical Articulation. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Spivak, Gayatri, Chakrovorty 1974 "Translator's Introduction," to Jacques Derrida, Of Grammatology. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. 1981 "Translator's Preface to 'Draupadi' by Mahasveta Devi," Critical Inquiry 8:382-83.
Anti-termination of transcription within the long terminal repeat of HIV-1 by tat gene product.

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) gene expression is controlled by cellular transcription factors and by virally encoded trans-activation proteins of the HIV-1 tat and art/trs genes, which are essential for viral replication1,9–11. Tat trans-activates HIV-1 gene expression by interacting with the trans-acting response element (TAR) located within the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) (ref. 2). In transient expression assays, tat mediates its effects largely by increasing the steady-state levels of messenger RNA species that contain the TAR sequence at or near their 5′ ends2–4, suggesting a function for tat either in transcription or in subsequent RNA processing. The tat gene could also facilitate translation of mRNA containing the TAR sequence5–8. To determine the mechanism of trans-activation by tat, we analysed the structure and rate of synthesis of RNA species directed by the HIV-1 LTR in transient expression assays both in the presence and absence of tat. Although the rate of HIV-1 transcription initiation was not affected by tat, transcriptional elongation beyond position +59 was seen only in the presence of tat. Thus, tat trans-activates HIV-1 transcription by relieving a specific block to transcriptional elongation within the TAR sequence.
Effect of LHRH on cyproterone-acetate-injected adenohypophyses of castrated mice.

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH)-treated adenohypophyses from castrated, cyproterone acetate-injected adult male mice were studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). LHRH-treated luteinizing hormone (LH) gonadotrophs (types a and b) in castrated mice showed accumulation of secretory granules at the capillary pole, dilated Golgi apparatus and extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) profiles. Following treatment, granular content in LH type-a gonadotrophs was decreased and profiles of secretory granules were seen in the intercellular and perivascular spaces. Some RER cisternal hypertrophy was noted, and the Golgi apparatus was dilated. In LH type-b gonadotrophs there were secretory granules lined along the plasma membranes, several lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, and short RER profiles. LHRH stimulated secretory granules release of LH gonadotrophs in cyproterone-acetate-treated castrated mice. Cyproterone acetate may have blocked hypothalamic LHRH stimulation of pituitary LH gona...
A market orientation in supply chain management

Despite the logical association between market orientation (MO) and the supply chain management concepts of supply chain orientation (SCO) and supply chain management (SCM), and the potential mediating role of SCO and SCM in the MO-firm business performance (PERF) relationship, there have been few, if any, attempts to investigate MO in a supply chain context. Thus, this study tests the relationships between MO, SCO, SCM, and PERF. Results indicate MO has a strong, positive impact on SCO and SCM. Interestingly, SCO was found to have the largest direct influence on PERF, followed by MO, followed by SCM. Managers should realize that SCO is critical to fulfilling customer requirements, i.e., a firm’s efforts to work with supply chain partners will not pay off if the firm is not supply chain-oriented. Although overshadowed by SCO, MO is still a foundation for managing the supply chain and has a positive impact on PERF. Equally important, the fact that the contribution of SCM to firm performance is overshadowed by MO and SCO does not mean SCM is irrelevant in corporate strategy. Managerial and future research implications of these findings are discussed.
Effect of prophylactic main pancreatic duct stenting on the incidence of biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy-induced pancreatitis in high-risk patients

Pancreatitis is a common complication of endoscopic sphincterotomy. Cautery-induced papillary edema has been implicated as a possible cause. The objective of this study was to determine whether prophylactic stenting of the main pancreatic duct after endoscopic sphincterotomy in high-risk patients would reduce the incidence of pancreatitis. High-risk patients were defined as those with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, small common bile duct diameter (
Aircraft Icing Conditions in Northeast Colorado

Abstract The in-flight icing environment in northeastern Colorado is described through remote and in situ measurements. Four field efforts in the winters of 1990 through 1994 were conducted in the area, and comprehensive datasets from research aircraft, ground-based multichannel microwave radiometers, and in-flight pilot reports were collected. Many aspects of the icing environment are examined: synoptic and mesoscale weather related to icing conditions, frequency of liquid-bearing clouds and potential icing conditions, microphysical characteristics of the clouds, and icing type and severity. Most clouds with supercooled liquid water sampled during these field projects were associated with cold fronts or cold surges or with widespread cyclonic or anticyclonic circulations that produce upslope cloudiness. The cloud characteristics were typically winter continental, with small droplets and low liquid water contents (both as in situ–measured cloud liquid water content and remotely sensed integrated amounts)....
Biochemical and microbiological evidence for fermentative digestion in free-living land iguanas (Conolophus pallidus) and marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) on the Galapagos archipelago

Abstract Herbivorous lizards are potentially capable of high digestive efficiency, but the presence of an indigenous microbial population has been implied from measurements of activity rather than directly studied. This study is the first to provide direct biochemical and microbiological evidence for fermentative digestion in free‐living land iguanas (Conolophus pallidus) and marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) from the Galapagos archipelago. In marine iguanas, the stomach and large capacious colon contained ca. 32% and 60%, respectively, of the weight of total gut content. Total volatile fatty acid concentration was ca. 150 and 180 mM, respectively, for marine and land iguanas. Molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (80.3%, 9.5%, and 3.5%) in land iguana fecal samples were similar to those for marine iguanas. Examination of fecal samples using confocal and transmission electron microscopy, as well as cultivable counts, revealed a dense and diverse population of bacteria, with spores ...
Decay of aftershock density with distance indicates triggering by dynamic stress

Aftershocks, the most common type of earthquake, were thought to be triggered by static stresses induced by an earlier ‘mainshock’. Recent work suggested that dynamic stresses, or shaking, may also be a factor, and a study based on analysis of the earthquake locations in the 1984–2002 Southern California catalogue confirms that view. Precise measurements of the decay of aftershock density with distance show that the probability of an aftershock is consistent with a maximum amplitude of seismic shaking at distances of 0.2 to 50 km from a mainshock. The majority of earthquakes are aftershocks1, yet aftershock physics is not well understood. Many studies suggest that static stress changes2,3 trigger aftershocks, but recent work suggests that shaking (dynamic stresses) may also play a role4,5. Here we measure the decay of aftershocks as a function of distance from magnitude 2–6 mainshocks in order to clarify the aftershock triggering process. We find that for short times after the mainshock, when low background seismicity rates allow for good aftershock detection, the decay is well fitted by a single inverse power law over distances of 0.2–50 km. The consistency of the trend indicates that the same triggering mechanism is working over the entire range. As static stress changes at the more distant aftershocks are negligible, this suggests that dynamic stresses may be triggering all of these aftershocks. We infer that the observed aftershock density is consistent with the probability of triggering aftershocks being nearly proportional to seismic wave amplitude. The data are not fitted well by models that combine static stress change with the evolution of frictionally locked faults3.
Stable controller interpolation for LPV systems

This paper examines the gain-scheduling problem with a particular focus on controller interpolation with guaranteed nonlinear stability. For linear parameter varying model representations, a method of interpolating between controllers utilizing the Youla parameterization is proposed. Quadratic stability despite fast scheduling is guaranteed by construction, while the characteristics of individual controllers designed a priori are recovered at the design points.
High-Resolution Laser Schlieren Imaging of Coronal Plasma Evolution in 80-kA $X$ -Pinches

X-pinches driven by an 80-kA current are investigated by using high-resolution dark-field laser Schlieren imaging. Results demonstrate the evolution of the low-density coronal plasma and the formation of an axial jet. Quantitative measurements of plasma expansion rates and the jet velocity are carried out for several materials.
Differences Between High- and Low-Confident Football Players on Imagery Functions: A Consideration of the Athletes' Perceptions

Abstract Over the years it has been proven that the use of imagery can be a highly effective performance-enhancement technique in sport and that confidence is the most consistent psychological construct in distinguishing highly successful athletes from less successful ones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between imagery use and confidence by high- and low-confident athletes. Recent research has suggested and shown that different athletes use the same image for different functions. These studies question the usefulness of the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ) as it consists of 30 images that comprise 5 functions. In this study, an original and a modified version of the SIQ were used. The modified SIQ took into account that different athletes could use the same image for different functions as it computed the SIQ function scores according to the athletes' perceptions. Seventy-nine male collegiate football players participated. It was found that the imagery–confidence relations...
The "Carbonate Factory" Revisited: A Reexamination of Sediment Production Functions Used to Model Deposition on Carbonate Platforms

There are two widely used models of sediment production on carbonate shelves: (1) production varying with depth, and (2) production as a function of depth and distance from the platform margin. Here we recalculate carbonate production on Great Bahama Bank west and northwest of Andros Island using Broecker and Takahashi's (1966) pioneering geochemical study. In the calculations, residence time and depth are used to calculate yearly carbonate production based on equilibrium thermodynamics of CaCO3 loss from water over the banks. Whereas Broecker and Takahashi assumed a uniform depth of 4.5 m in their work, here we use realistic depths and residence times interpolated over the bank. Our results suggest that sediment production is on the order of 4-5 kg/m2/y on the bank margins and that production rapidly drops off into the platform, approaching zero in the shallowest, innermost parts of the platform. Thus, for a large platform such as Great Bahama Bank with long residence times, the shallowest areas of the platform may become sinks, not sources, of sediment.
Cardiolipin-Mediated Mitochondrial Dynamics and Stress Response in Arabidopsis

Mitochondria are essential and dynamic organelles in eukaryotes. Cardiolipin (CL) is a key phospholipid in mitochondrial membranes, playing important roles in maintaining the functional integrity and dynamics of mitochondria in animals and yeasts. However, CL’s role in plants is just beginning to be elucidated. In this study, we used Arabidopsis thaliana to examine the subcellular distribution of CL and CARDIOLIPIN SYNTHASE (CLS) and analyzed loss-of-function cls mutants for defects in mitochondrial morphogenesis and stress response. We show that CL localizes to mitochondria and is enriched at specific domains, and CLS targets to the inner membrane of mitochondria with its C terminus in the intermembrane space. Furthermore, cls mutants exhibit significantly impaired growth as well as altered structural integrity and morphogenesis of mitochondria. In contrast to animals and yeasts, in which CL’s effect on mitochondrial fusion is more profound, Arabidopsis CL plays a dominant role in mitochondrial fission and exerts this function, at least in part, through stabilizing the protein complex of the major mitochondrial fission factor, DYNAMIN-RELATED PROTEIN3. CL also plays a role in plant responses to heat and extended darkness, stresses that induce programmed cell death. Our study has uncovered conserved and plant-specific aspects of CL biology in mitochondrial dynamics and the organism response to environmental stresses.
Exercise during cardiac catheterization distinguishes between pulmonary and left ventricular causes of dyspnea in systemic sclerosis patients.

Objective The cause for shortness of breath among systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is often lacking. We sought to characterize the hemodynamics of these patients by using simple isotonic arm exercise during cardiac catheterization. Methods Catheterization was performed in 173 SSc patients when resting echocardiographic pulmonary systolic pressures were 40 mmHg post stress. Patients with resting mean pulmonary arterial pressures (mPAP) ≤ 25 and pulmonary arterial wedge pressures (PAWP) ≤ 15 mmHg exercised with 1-pound hand weights. Normal exercise was defined as a change in mPAP divided by the change in cardiac output (CO) (ΔmPAP/ΔCO) ratio ≤ 2 for patients 50). An abnormal ΔmPAP/ΔCO ratio, an exercise transpulmonary gradient (TPG) ≥ 15, a PAWP ΔPAWP and a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) which increased defined exercise-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (EIPAH). An abnormal ΔmPAP/ΔCO ratio, an exercise TPG < 15, a PAWP ≥ 20, a ΔTPG < ΔPAWP and a drop in PVR defined left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD). Twelve patients without SSc served as controls. Results Pulmonary pressures increased with exercise in 53 patients. Six had EIPAH and 47 had DD. With exercise, mPAP and PAWP were 20 ± 4 and 13 ± 2 in controls, 36 ± 3 and 12 ± 4 in EIPAH and 34 ± 6 and 26 ± 4 in DD. Control ΔmPAP/ΔCO was 0.8 ± 0.7, 7.5 ± 3.9 in EIPAH and 9.1 ± 7.2 in DD. Rest and exercise TPG was normal for control and DD patients but increased (12 ± 4 to 23 ± 4) in EIPAH (P < 0.0001). PVR decreased in DD but increased in EIPAH with exercise. Conclusions Exercise during catheterization elucidates the pathophysiology of dyspnea and distinguishes EIPAH from the more common DD in SSc patients.
A Decrease in Oak Litter Mass Changes Nutrient Dynamics in the Litter Layer of a Central Hardwood Forest

The abundance of oak is declining in the central hardwood forest, resulting in structural and functional changes in the litter layer. We hypothesized that a decline in oak litter mass associated with a lower oak component will result in an increase in nutrient cycling rates in the litter layer. To test this hypothesis, we compared mass loss and C, N, P, and Ca dynamics in pure oak litter and in litter made of 48% oak plus 52% five other deciduous species in a central hardwood forest in West Virginia. In 12 months of litter decomposition, pure oak litter decomposed more slowly, retained more C and N, immobilized more and subsequently did not release P, and released less Ca than litter consisting of 48% oak plus five other species. Annual stand-level nutrient fluxes in pure oak and in 48% oak plus five other species litter were correspondingly 4.1 and 4.4 kg ha 1 N, 0.22 and 0.17 kg ha 1 P, and 9.3 and 16.7 kg ha 1 Ca. These results indicate that a decline in oak will cause more rapid nutrient cycling in the litter layer of affected central hardwood stands.
Heart Rate Variability and Mental Workload Assessment

Abstract Heart rate variability is probably the most used physiological method in mental workload measurement experiments. This work, from a new perspective, attempts to review studies which have employed heart rate variability. It has been noted that there are two basic approaches in quantification of heart rate variability: the use of scoring methods and spectral analysis. It is concluded that, regardless of the quantification method and reported insensitivity of the measure, heart rate variability remains one of the most promising physiological measures of mental workload and operator effort.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Stock Market Performance

The article examines the relationship between social responsibility and stock market performance of corporations in the U.S. for the period 1970-1974. Risk measures and differential returns of the ...
Directional and Discriminatory Responses of Salamanders to Weak Magnetic Fields

A number of studies now exist pointing to the use of magnetic information in vertebrate orientation especially for birds, but the evidence among lower vertebrates is difficult to interpret. Several studies with fish have demonstrated a response to magnetic fields (e.g., Branover et al., 1971; Ovchinnikov et al., 1973; Andrianov et al., 1974; Tesch, 1974). However, in an aquatic environment electrical events can be induced by a body moving through a magnetic field and, therefore, it is not clear whether magnetic perception is accomplished directly or indirectly through induction. Several fish have been shown to be sensitive enough to electrical stimuli to be able to perceive such induced fields (reviewed in Fessard, 1974) even in some species which lack specialized electroreceptive organs (Rommel and McCleave, 1972, 1973). In studies with the cave salamander Phillips (1977) provided evidence for a learned directional response to the earth’s magnetic field. Since this species is terrestrial, it seems more likely that the magnetic field is perceived directly. The present paper considers an additional source of variation observed in the original data from cave salamanders and also provides supporting evidence for discriminatory responses to weak magnetic fields in a second species of salamander.
Artificial Dissemination of Entomophthorous Fungi Pathogenic to the Spotted Alfalfa Aphid in California

Following evaluation of methods that could be utilized in the dissemination of fungi pathogenic to the spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis maculata (Buckton), a program was developed to produce Entomophthora exitialis Hall & Dunn, E. virulenta H. &. D., and E. oronata (Cost.), on selected media in small sealed containers for shipment to counties within the State of California requesting fungi. During 1956, a total of 1,754 culture units were sent to nine counties in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys for placement in field plots.
Exploration of Modal Decomposition Techniques for Wind Turbines

The objective of this study is to investigate the modal decomposition techniques namely, Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) for application in wind energy. An unsteady dataset is decomposed into modes and associated coefficients which are then used to reconstruct solution(s). The sensitivity of the number of modes on the accuracy of the reconstructed solution is evaluated. Test cases comprise of linear and nonlinear equation in one dimension and flow around a NACA 0012 airfoil apart from the CFD data of the NREL offshore 5-MW baseline wind turbine. The motivation for this work comes from the fact that reconstruction of a solution using the modes is several order of magnitudes more efficient (in terms of the computational cost) as compared to Navier-Stokes simulations.
Elevated Circulating Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor in Severe Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract Background and Methods. Although cachexia often accompanies advanced heart failure, little is known about the causes of the cachectic state. To assess the potential role of tumor necrosis factor in the pathogenesis of cardiac cachexia, we measured serum levels of the factor in 33 patients with chronic heart failure, 33 age-matched healthy controls, and 9 patients with chronic renal failure. Results. Mean (±SEM) serum levels of tumor necrosis factor were higher in the patients with heart failure (115±25 U per milliliter) than in the healthy controls (9±3 U per milliliter; P 2 SD above the mean value for the control group), whereas the remaining 14 patients had serum levels of tumor necrosis factor below this level. The patients with high levels of tumor necrosis factor were more cachectic than those with low levels (82±3 vs. 95±6 percent of ideal body weight, respectively; P...
America's Cuban Obsession: A Case Study in Diplomacy and Psycho-History

No more Cubas!” For a quarter of a century, that slogan has propelled American intervention into Latin America. President Kennedy's Alliance for Progress was designed to head off more Castro-type revolutions in the region. In 1965, President Johnson crushed a revolution in the Dominican Republic, declaring that “another Cuba in this hemisphere would be unacceptable.” And the Nixon plan for subverting the Chilean government in the early 1970s was motivated, in Henry Kissinger's words, by fear of Allende's “patent intention to create another Cuba.”
Effect evaluation of detection of vibrio cholerae in outer environment water by colloidal gold immune chromatography

Objective To validate the specificity, sensitivity and practicability of detection of vibrio cholerae in outer environment water by colloidal gold immune chromatography. Methods Outer environment water incubated in alkaline peptone water(36.5℃)for 6 hours. Then vibrio cholerae was detected by colloidal gold method. The traditional separation culture method of vibrio cholerae was identified with serum agglutina as the gold standard at the same time. The results of two methods were compared by statistical methods. Results Among 747 water samples, 19 were identified with colloidal gold and 16 vibrio cholerae were identified by the traditional separation culture method. There was no significant difference between the two methods(χ2=0.61, P0.05). For the colloidal gold method to detect vibrio cholerae of outer environment water, the sensitivity was 100.00%, with a specificity of 99.59%,a false positive rate of 0.41%, a false negative rate of 0.00% and a consistent rate of 99.60% with the traditional separation culture method. Conclusion The colloidal gold method has good sensitivity and specificity and consistency with traditional separation culture method for detection of vibrio cholerae in outer environment water. The method of detecting vibrio cholerae with colloidal gold is reliable, simple, practical and suitable for use at grassroots level as an auxiliary method.
Reconstruction of the abdomen and perineum in cancer surgery

Trunk and perineal defects after tumor resection present a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. When primary closure is not possible, the use of well-vascularized autogenous tissue is required to achieve adequate soft-tissue coverage. Pedicled muscle or myocutaneous flaps provide excellent sources of vascularized tissue for postradiation defects. When local tissues preclude the use of pedicled flaps, free-tissue transfers can be performed. A thorough understanding of radiation wounds and the reconstructive options is essential for treatment of these challenging defects.
Effect of indole compounds on vitamin B12 utilization.

Indole and indoleacetic acid are shown to inhibit the growth of a vitamin B12 dependent microorganism, a mutant strain of Escherichia coli . It is suggested that the mechanism of that inhibition may be a competitive inhibition of some enzymatic system necessary for the utilization of vitamin B12.
Entrepreneurship in Mexico

Mexico came into the twenty-first century with one of the world’s most open economies and trade agreements that include 44 nations (Villarreal 2010). Mexico’s powerful economy consistently places it in the top 20 world ranking for largest gross domestic product. The population is about 110 million yet about half of Mexico’s people live in extreme poverty, not even participating in the formal economy. The ranking for entrepreneurial activities is high (www.gemconsortium.org), while the ranking for ease of doing business is steadily improving (Doing Business in Mexico 2011). What drives entrepreneurship in these conditions? What are the resources entrepreneurs leverage to succeed here?
A Connecticut merchant in chinadom: A play in one act

By 1855 four of the five Chinese District Associations in California had offices and boardinghouses in Sacramento on I Street between Fifth and Sixth. Agents of these Chinese Associations nurtured important reciprocal relationships with Sacramento businessmen, including Josiah Gallup, a merchant from Connecticut. Gallup discovered his niche as a translator and middleman for the Chinese merchants of San Francisco and Sacramento. He helped them purchase real estate and supplies, transport miners and prostitutes to the gold fields, and negotiate with City officials. This is the story of Joshua Gallup and how he helped the Chinese get started in Sacramento.
Two-Dimensional Discrete Ordinates Photon Transport Calculations for Brachytherapy Dosimetry Applications

The DANTSYS discrete ordinates computer code system is applied to quantitative estimation of water kerma rate distributions in the vicinity of discrete photon sources with energies in the 20- to 80...
Modifying Knowledge, Emotions, and Attitudes Regarding Genetically Modified Foods

The purpose of this study was to explore whether conceptual change predicted emotional and attitudinal change while learning about genetically modified foods (GMFs). Participants were 322 college s...
ERBB Signaling Promotes BCR-Abl Expression and Modulates Multiple Signaling Pathways as Assessed by High-Throughput, Reverse Phase Protein Array.

ERBB family receptor tyrosine kinases, EGFR, Her-2, Her-3 and Her-4, are prognostic and therapeutic targets in multiple carcinomas, including breast, lung, and head and neck tumors. We previously reported aberrant expression and activation of Her-2 and Her-4 in a panel of Ph+ ALL cell lines: Z33, Z119, and Z181. Loss of cell viability and apoptotic DNA fragmentation were observed after treatment with the irreversible pan ERBB inhibitor, CI-1033, in vitro . In the present study, we define the mechanisms of cell death initiated by ERBB blockade. We examined the expression and Tyr1248 phosphorylation of Her-2 in Z119 and Z181 cell lines upon CI-1033 treatment and found a 4-fold decrease in Ph-Y1248 by Western blotting. We then assessed the impact upon downstream signaling pathways using reverse-phase protein microarray (RPPA) - a new high-throughput method to measure and profile the total expression and post-translational phosphorylation of signaling pathway components. Leukemia cells treated with CI-1033 assessed with RPPA using 34 different antibodies showed mTOR expression to be decreased by more than two-fold in Z119 and Z181. Concomitantly, we saw a more than three-fold decrease in phosphorylated S6-S240/244. This suggests that down-regulation of translational control caused by inhibition of activated ERBB-family receptors contributes to the reduced proliferation in these cells. We also observed a 3.5-fold decrease in phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3a/b 21/9 in Z119 and a 1.7-fold decrease in Z181. This suggests inactivation of GSK3, which is regulated by Akt/PKB signaling. We also observed a four-fold decrease in Bcr-Abl expression in Z181, identified as p190 by Western. This suggests that ERBB signaling helps maintain expression of Bcr-Abl protein, driving Ph+ lymphomagenesis, perhaps explaining why ERBB blockade induces apoptosis in Ph+ ALL. Elucidating the mechanism of this apoptosis, CI-1033 caused activation of caspase-3 in Z119 and Z181 as measured by DEVD-AMC cleavage, and caused PARP cleavage. Thus multiple, non-redundant signaling pathways downstream of ERBB can be downregulated with a small molecule inhibitor, CI-1033, causing reduced viability and increased apoptosis in ERBB+ Ph+ ALL cell lines. Our data suggest that inhibition of these signals may provide additional therapeutic efficacy to Ph+ ALL patients.
Operator Suspicion and Decision Responses to Cyber-Attacks on Unmanned Ground Vehicle Systems:

Cyber-attacks against cyber-physical systems (CPS), such as unmanned vehicles, are emergent threats with potentially catastrophic impacts, and this issue has drawn considerable interest by military...
Subterranean Labor Markets: A Conceptual Analysis

A taxonomy is developed in which subterranean markets are divided into two basic categories: those for goods and services that are intrinsically illegal (Category I) and those where the transaction rather than the object traded is illegal or constrained (Category II). The second category is subdivided into issues of explicit and implicit taxatation and various other applicable topics, which are treated in detail in the paper in an attempt to provide an analytic handle on the subject. The author notes that since market information is available to transactors it must be available to law enforcers. Since subterranean markets persist despite this, there may be some optimal tolerance point between the shadow and sunlight sectors.
Mound Centers and Seed Security: A Comparative Analysis of Botanical Assemblages from Middle Woodland Sites in the Lower Illinois Valley

The earthen mounds built by the Middle Woodland inhabitants of the Eastern Woodlands have been the focus of archaeological research for more than a century. Within these mounds, excavations have revealed naturalistic art worked on exotic materials from points as distant Wyoming, Ontario, and the Gulf Coast (Carr 2006a, b). At the turn of the twentieth century, the makers of this 2,000-year-old art and architecture were named the Hopewell culture and envisioned as a cohesive and highly sophisticated society inhabiting southern Ohio (Moorehead 1892). In the century since, Hopewell has been transformed into a descriptor of a complex network of exchange and interaction spanning the river valleys of the Eastern Woodlands.
Segmentation Issues in Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Plaque Analysis with MRI

Advanced atherosclerotic plaque can lead to complications such as vessel lumen stenosis, thrombosis, and embolization, which are the leading causes of death and major disability among adults in the United States. To reduce the healthcare costs, improved methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these kinds of diseases are very important [1].
IN VIVO DETERMINATION OF RATES OF PROTEIN DEGRADATION IN LIVERS OF MEAL-FED RATS: IMPLICATIONS OF AMINO ACID COMPARTMENTATION

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on an assay of protein synthesis that directly measured the specific radioactivity of amino acids on the immediate precursor, amino acyl-tRNA to circumvent the uncertainties inherent in isotopic studies in vivo. The tRNA-bound valine acquired label with biphasic kinetics suggesting a brief rapid initial surge to saturate a small intermediate pool followed by a gradual accumulation of isotope exactly paralleling the labeling kinetics of the intracellular valine. Insulin was assayed by the double antibody procedures, and glucagon was assayed by the radioimmunoassay. The chapter presents the specific radioactivity of valine in the hepatic pools and the rates of protein synthesis and degradation before and after the meal. Both the electron microscopic observations and these preliminary in vitro experiments tend to substantiate the rates of degradation calculated on the basis of the compartmental analysis of hepatic amino acids.
Crystal structure and conformation of Tilorone monohydrate [2,7-{bis1-oxo-4-(1-piperidinyl)butyl}-9H-fluoren-9-one] monohydrate: an antiviral agent and an interferon inducer

Tilorone is an orally active pharmacological agent that protects mice against infections with RNA and DNA viruses. It is also the only known small molecule that is an interferon inducer. It has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties and was shown to interact and influence the immune mechanisms in human and animals. Structure-function studies of Tilorone and its several analogs have been undertaken in our laboratories with an objective to correlate the structural features with the immuno-suppressive activity. Crystals of the title compound are triclinic, space group $$P\bar 1 $$ , with the following crystallographic parameters: a = 7.068(2), b = 9.030(3), c = 23.635(3) A, α = 103.91(2), β = 108.49(2), γ = 93.84(4)°, V = 1371.9 A3, ρobs = 1.17 Mg/m3, ρcalc = 1.168 Mg/m3 and Z = 2. The structure was solved with CAD-4 data, using SHELX-86 program and refined to a final R value of 0.063. The oxobutyl groups are in an extended zig-zag conformation and are co-planar with the central fluorenone chromophore. The two terminal piperidine rings are in the preferred chair conformation. The crystal structure lends support to the intercalative mechanism of action for Tilorone. We hypothesize that the stereochemistry and molecular geometry of these drugs and/or their active metabolites affect both the receptor interaction and the mode of immunomodulation. Comparison of the biological effects of the various tilorone analogs should allow us to obtain some more insight into their structure-function correlations.