cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GSK3β is a negative regulator of platelet function and thrombosis

Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β is a ser-thr kinase that is phosphorylated by the kinase Akt. Although Akt has been shown to regulate platelet function and arterial thrombosis, its effectors in platelets remain unknown. We show here that agonist-dependent phosphorylation of GSK3β in platelets is Akt dependent. To determine whether GSK3β regulates platelet function, platelets from mice lacking a single allele of GSK3β were compared with those of wild-type (WT) controls. GSK3β+/− platelets demonstrated enhanced agonist-dependent aggregation, dense granule secretion, and fibrinogen binding, compared with WT platelets. Treatment of human platelets with GSK3 inhibitors renders them more sensitive to agonist-induced aggregation, suggesting that GSK3 suppresses platelet function in vitro. Finally, the effect of GSK3β on platelet function in vivo was evaluated using 2 thrombosis models in mice. In the first, 80% of GSK3β+/− mice (n = 10) formed stable occlusive thrombi after ferric chloride carotid artery injury, whereas the majority of wild-type mice (67%) formed no thrombi (n = 15). In a disseminated thrombosis model, deletion of a single allele of GSK3β in mice conferred enhanced sensitivity to thrombotic insult. Taken together, these results suggest that GSK3β acts as a negative regulator of platelet function in vitro and in vivo.
THE IMPACT OF THE BERLIN ACCORD AND EUROPEAN ENLARGEMENT ON DAIRY MARKETS

Journal paper No. J-18684 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa, Project No. 3566, and supported by Hatch Act and State of Iowa funds. Using a world agricultural model, we analyze the impact on dairy markets of the Berlin Accord on the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Reforms. We also investigate the consequences of enlargement of the EU to include the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland for the same markets. We produce a market outlook up to 2010 for these two scenarios. The Berlin Accord induces lower EU milk and dairy prices. A change in relative prices between cheese and butter-skim milk powder (SMP) occurs after 2005 and induces an expansion of cheese production, consumption and exports at the expense of the butter–SMP sector. Accession of the three central and eastern European countries (CEECs) leads to a permanent but moderate decrease in EU prices of milk and dairy products. For the three acceding CEECs, domestic prices increase dramatically. Their final consumption of milk decreases and dairy product consumption drops considerably. The derived demand of milk in dairy production increases, however, because of the higher prices for dairy products, benefiting dairy producers in these CEECs. Dairy exports of the three acceding countries to the EU–15 increase by one to three orders of magnitude, despite building large inventories. The impact of accession on world markets is small. A l'aide d'un modele agricole a l'echelle mondiale, nous analysons l'impact des accords de Berlin sur la reforme de la Politique agricole commune (PAC) de l'Union Europeenne, en ce qui touche les marches laitiers. Nous examinons aussi les consequences eventuelles de l'elargissement de l'Union Europeenne a la Republique Tcheque, a la Hongrie et a la Pologne. Ces deux scenarios nous ont servi de base d‘elaboration de perspectives du marche jusqu'en 2010. Les accords de Berlin declenchent une hausse duprix du lait et desproduits laitiers dans l'UE. Selon nos predictions, on assiste apres 2005 a un changement du prix relatif du fromage par rapport a celui de la poudre de lait ecreme (PLE). II s‘ensuit une expansion de la production et de la consommation et des exportations defromage aux depens du segment de la PLE. L'entree des trois pays de l'Europe, du centre et de l'est (PECE) conduit a une baisse permanente, encore que modeste, des prix du lait et des produits laitiers dans l'UE. Chez les trois nouveaux arrives, les prix interieurs grimpent de facon spectaculaire, ce qui entraine une chute de la consommation du lait particulierement de celle des produits laitiers transformes. En revanche, la demande de lait industriel augmente a cause des prix plus eleves des produits derives, ce qui profite aux producteurs laitiers des trois pays. Les exportations laitieres de ces pays augmentent de 1 a 3 ordres de grandeur, ce qui n'empeche pas la constitution de stocks importants. L'impact de l'accession sur leur marches mondiaux devrait etre de peu d'importance.
ADENOSINE TRANSPORT BY ISOLATED RAT LIVER MITOCHONDRIA: 159

Rat liver mitochondria were incubated with 3H-adenosine (ado) and then separated from the medium and quenched by centrifugation through silicone oil into perchloric acid. The radioactive compounds in the mitochondria were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. In the presence of 2 μM ado, 6 mM pyruvate and 2 mM malate, ado was incorporated into mitochondrial nucleotides at a rate of 0.79 pmol/mg mitochondrial protein/min. 23 μM Carboxyatractyloside, 1 mM ADP, 5 mM ATP, and 0.1 mM P1,P5-di(adenosine-5')-pentaphosphate decreased the incorporation by 78%, 37%, 65%, and 67%, respectively. Conversion of adenosine to AMP + ADP + ATP in the incubation medium (analyzed without separation of mitochondria from the medium) occurred at 3.8 pmol/mg protein/min. Addition of 5 mM ATP increased this to 4.8 pmol/mg protein/min in spite of the decreased incorporation seen in the mitochondria, suggesting that externally added ATP stimulates the phosphorylation of adenosine and release of nucleotides into the medium. The amount of adenosine associated with the mitochondria was constant from 0 to 10 min of incubation under all experimental conditions. It was higher than predicted from sucrose-accessible and mitochondrial matrix volumes determined under identical conditions, suggesting binding of adenosine to mitochondrial proteins. Our results suggest that adenosine is converted to ADP and ATP in the intermembrane space and that ADP or ATP or both are then transported into the matrix by the ADP/ ATP translocase located in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
A new spouting regime in beds of coarse particles deeper than the maximum spoutable height

A new spouting regime for coarse particles in beds deeper than the maximum spoutable height has been identified and its location on a phase diagram is presented for an air spouted bed of 5 mm glass spheres. The periodic formation and breakup of single bubbles originating at the top of the spout at lower gas velocities than required to observe the new regime has been studied using high speed photographs. An analogy is drawn between these observations and the breakup of bubbles in a turbulently fluidized bed. Nous avons identifie un nouveau regime de “spouting” pour des grossieres dans des lits plus profonds que la hauteur maximale de jaillissement. On indique sa position sur le diagramme de phases dans le cas d'un lit de billes de verre de 5 mm de diametres, “spoute” avec de l'air. Nous avons analyse a l'aide de photographies a grande vitesse la formation intermittente et la rupture des bulles isolees provenant de la partie superieure du jaillissement, a des vitesses de gaz inferieures aux vitesses requises pour l'etablissement du nouveau regime. On a finalement etabli une analogie entre ces dernieres observations et la rupture des bulles dans un lit fluidise turbulent.
Abnormal regional myocardial performance in coronary artery disease.

Abstract Left ventricular dyssynergy, or localized abnormal contraction in the form of absent movement (akinesis) or paradoxical movement (dyskinesis) may result from regional myocardial ischemia or from myocardial infarction and scar formation in patients with coronary artery disease. Dyssynergy can cause heart failure even without an aneurysmal bulge of the left ventricle and even though the uninvolved myocardium contracts normally. Important features regarding the heart failure are the size of the area of dyssynergy, the work load imposed on the ventricle, the functional state of the remaining portion of the ventricle, and the ability of ventricle to compensate for the abnormality by appropriate dilatation and hypertrophy. Left ventricular angiocardiography with selective coronary angiography is most useful in diagnosing the presence and severity of dyssynergy and of the other postinfarction abnormalities which may coexist. Patients who have chronic, severe, refractory heart failure associated with cardiac dilatation and a demonstrable zone of akinesis or dyskinesis should be considered for surgical resection of the involved portion of left ventricular wall.
Local and Global Residue Symbols for Algebraic Functions Fields

Abstract If q is a power of prime p, we let F q be a finite field with q elements, R = F q[x] the polynomial ring over F q, and k = F q(x) the rational function field. For any polynomial M ∈ R, Carlitz [1] defined a "cyclotomic" extension kM of k. Let K be any finite, separable extension of kM. For certain z, w ∈ K with w and M relatively prime, we define an Mth power residue symbol (the global symbol) (z/w)K,M. For any local field E that contains kM we define a local norm residue symbol (α, β; E, M) p where p is the prime of E and α and β are any elements of E with β ≠ 0. Since these symbols are based on the additive theory of Carlitz′s cyclotomic function fields, these symbols are additive. We prove this result along with other basic properties of these symbols, including the equation that connects the two symbols (Theorem 16) and the continuity of the local symbol (Theorem 20).
Development of a higher-order accurate kinetic wave/particle flux-splitting algorithm for the Euler equations

The development of a novel second-order accurate both in time and space kinetic scheme, called the Kinetic Wave/Particle Split (KWPS) scheme is reported in this paper. It is demonstrated that the first-order KWPS algorithm, while computationally efficient and robust, is very diffusive on a reasonable mesh. The KWPS scheme is derived by employing the following steps: the molecular velocity in the Boltzmann equation is split as a sum of fluid velocity and thermal (peculiar) velocity, thus the flux vector in the Boltzmann equation is divided into a convective part and an acoustic part. The Boltzmann equation is then discretized using an upwind differencing. Moments of the discretized Boltzmann equation with the collision invariant vector and Maxwellian distribution function then yield the KWPS scheme for the Euler equations. The second-order formulation is obtained through the application of a Taylor series expansion of the Maxwellian distribution function to include the first-order derivatives. Numerical test cases, both in 1-D and 2-D, are computed to demonstrate the improved accuracy of the second-order KWPS scheme, while maintaining both the efficiency and robustness of the first-order scheme. It should be noted that the new second-order KWPS formulation cannot be obtained using the standard numerical approach employed in the literature for second-order extension. The methodology employed in this paper can be easily extended to formulate a KWPS scheme to any order of accuracy.
Osteopontin Gene is Expressed in the Dermal Papilla of Pelage Follicles in a Hair-Cycle-Dependent Manner

Hair follicle formation and maintenance involve intimate interactions between follicular epithelial cells and a group of specialized mesenchymal cells known as the dermal papilla. Using the random primer polymerase chain reaction, we have identified an ≈1.4 kb osteopontin mRNA that is present in large quantities in cultured rat vibrissa dermal papilla cells but undetectable in cultured rat skin fibroblasts. In situ hybridization showed that the osteopontin gene is expressed in dermal papilla cells of pelage follicles during catagen but not in anagen or telogen. As an acidic glycosylated RGD-containing extracellular matrix protein, osteopontin can function both as a cell attachment protein and as a soluble cytokine playing roles in signaling, cell migration, tissue survival, anti-inflammation, and T-cell-mediated cellular immunity. Our results indicate that the comparison of the mRNA of cultured dermal papilla cells and fibroblasts can lead to the identification of not only anagen-specific genes (e.g., nexin 1), but also a catagen-specific gene. We have thus provided evidence that specific genes are turned on during catagen, which is therefore not simply a passive “degenerative” phase. The functional role of osteopontin in catagen is unclear but it may promote the formation of a tightly aggregated dermal papilla, and/or protect the dermal papilla cells from apoptosis induced by cytokines or hypoxia during catagen.
Endogenous kappa-opioid mediation of stress-induced potentiation of ethanol-conditioned place preference and self-administration

Exposure to inescapable stressors increases both the rewarding properties and self-administration of cocaine through the signaling of the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR), but the effect of this signaling on other reinforcing agents remains unclear. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that signaling of the KOR mediates the forced swim stress (FSS)-induced potentiation of ethanol reward and self-administration. Male C57Bl/6J mice were tested in a biased ethanol-conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure, and both C57Bl/6J and prodynorphin gene-disrupted (Dyn −/−) mice were used in two-bottle free choice (TBC) assays, with or without exposure to FSS. To determine the role of the KOR in the resulting behaviors, the KOR agonist U50,488 (10 mg/kg) and antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 10 mg/kg) were administered prior to parallel testing. C57Bl/6J mice exposed to repeated FSS 5 min prior to daily place conditioning with ethanol (0.8 g/kg) demonstrated a 4.4-fold potentiation of ethanol-CPP compared to unstressed mice that was prevented by nor-BNI pretreatment. Likewise, pretreatment with U50,488 90 min prior to daily ethanol place conditioning resulted in a 2.8-fold potentiation of ethanol-CPP. In the TBC assay, exposure to FSS significantly increased the consumption of 10% (v/v) ethanol by 19.3% in a nor-BNI-sensitive manner. Notably, Dyn −/− mice consumed a similar volume of ethanol as wild-type littermates and C57Bl/6J mice, but did not demonstrate significant stress-induced increases in consumption. These data demonstrated a stress-induced potentiation of the rewarding effects and self-administration of ethanol mediated by KOR signaling.
A Low-Frequency Fiber Optic Accelerometer Array for Mechanical Motion Detection

The design and performance characteristics of an array of high-performance fiber optic accelerometers suited for low-frequency mechanical motion detection is presented. The sensors, based on the flexural disc design, typically have high responsivity (40 dB re rad/g), small mass (less than 60 grams), and a low minimum detectable level at low frequencies (-75 dB re g/?Hz at 0.3 Hz). An array of these accelerometers has been fabricated to detect ship motions in a 1:24 scale model ship-to-ship cargo transfer operation.
Structural‐Functional Dynamics in the Analysis of Socio‐economic Systems: Adaptation of Structural Change Processes to Biological Systems of Human Interaction

Abstract. This article is the second of two that suggest outlines for a biological {evolutionary) model for analyzing socioeconomic systems. The first article developed concepts applicable to non-human biological systems.* This article broadens the model to incorporate factors pertinent to human societal systems. First discussed is human volition or purposive choice. Because of this, the particular path of socioeconomic change need not be “accidental” or statistical as with the “natural selection” applicable to non-human biological systems, but rather may proceed by “volitional selection” from among feasible change paths. Second, the thermodynamic concept of increasing entropy (order to disorder) indicates that economics’“production functions” need be seen more as transformation functions; and thus to overcome accumulating entropic disorder, continuous technological change is necessary. Such technical (man-thing) changes induce broader societal (man-man) changes. This is consistent with the evolutionary argument for unidirectional change from the less complex and less stable to the more complex. A third article on the economic theory consistent with the above concepts is planned.
Perception of Service Quality in the U.S. Lodging Industry

This study attempts to investigate the perception of marketing managers about the use,of services marketing and the relative value of service quality Lhrough the offering of varied lodging products in the lodging industry. A total of 250 questionnaires were mailed to the marketing managers of various hotels, motels. inns, casinos and resorts around the United States. Ninety-five usable responses were received, obtaining a 38 percent response rate. This study is based on the valid premise that conventional marketing strategies useful in the marketing of tangible goods cannot be applied to the marketing of services, which are fundamentally different. Findings indicated that lodging marketing managers must recognize the strength of services marketing strategies and their relationship to value-addition. Services marketing strategies have become increasingly important in this industry as lodging consumers have increased their awareness of the value of the products Ulat they receive, in return for the price paid.
Dissociation, affect, and network models of memory: An integrative proposal

This paper provides an integrative review of two schools of psychological research on memory. In one, the developers of associative network models (e.g., Anderson, 1983; Bower, 1981; Rumelhart and McClelland, 1986) base their work on experimentation and computer simulations. In the other, clinicians studying dissociative disorders (e.g., Bliss and Jeppsen, 1985; Braun, 1984a; Kluft, 1985a; Putnam et al., 1986) develop theories through the observation of patients and the collection of clinical statistics. Both schools of research are attempting to understand how items in memory are variably accessible and inaccessible in order to conceptualize an overall structure of the way memory is connected and organized as well as to develop a vocabulary of rules about how memory works. Connections found between the two areas result in three topics of particular interest. First, the central role of affect in dissociative disorders suggests a reevaluation of the minor role that it has been given in most network models. Second, the extreme levels of affect present in clinical observation, not ethically reproducible in mood and memory experimentation, call attention to the necessity of examining clinical data in establishing experimental theories. Third, the role of inhibition in “neural” network memory models, taken for granted in clinical research, must be accounted for in network models of memory.
Soil nutrient variability and soil sampling in the everglades agricultural area

Abstract The variability of soil nutrients and sampling was investigated in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), on a Lauderhill muck (euic, hyperthennic Lithic Medisaprist), Pahokee muck (euic, hyperthennic Lithic medisaprist), Okeelanta muck (euic, hyperthennic Terric Medisaprist), and Torry muck (euic, hyperthennic Typic Medisaprist). Soils in adjacent fields at the same location under either sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), sweetcorn (Zea mays L.), or sod [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt) Kuntze], were sampled. Surface samples were taken across existing canals between two fields at each location using a sampling grid technique. On all samples, soil pH, ash content, and total and extractable P, K, Ca Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were determined. Results showed that selected soil chemical properties from the Histosols from the EAA are spatially dependent. Anisotropic semi‐variograms showed that ditch and road spoils are two of the main factors influencing in‐field soil variability. Block‐kriged contour maps of pr...
Physiology and Pharmacology of Myocardial Preconditioning and Postconditioning

Perioperative myocardial ischemia and infarction are not only major sources of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery but also important causes of prolonged hospital stay and resource utilization. Ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning and postconditioning have been known for more than 2 decades to provide protection against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion and limit myocardial infarct size in many experimental animal models, as well as in clinical studies. This article reviews the physiology and pharmacology of ischemic and drug-induced preconditioning and postconditioning of the myocardium with special emphasis on the mechanisms by which volatile anesthetics provide myocardial protection. Insights gained from animal and clinical studies are reviewed and recommendations given for the use of perioperative anesthetics and medications.
A RESTful messaging system for asynchronous distributed processing

Traditionally, distributed computing problems have been solved by partitioning data into chunks small enough to be handled by commodity hardware. However, such partitioning is not possible in cases where there are a high number of dependencies or high dimensionality, such as in reasoning and expert systems, rendering such problems less tractable for distributed systems. By instead partitioning the problem, rather than the data, we can achieve a more general application of distributed computing.Partitioning the problem rather than the data may require tighter communication between members of the network, even though many networks can only be assumed to be weakly-connected. We believe that a decentralized implementation of propagator networks may resolve the problem. By placing several constraints on the merging of data transmitted over the network, we can easily synchronize information and achieve eventual convergence without implementing mechanisms needed for serialization.To this end, we present the design of a RESTful messaging mechanism, currently in the process of being implemented, that allows distributed propagator networks to be created, using mechanisms that result in eventual convergence of knowledge across a weakly-connected network. By utilizing a RESTful design of the mechanism, we can also achieve a reduction of bandwidth usage during synchronization through the use of caching.
The behavior of holo- and apo-forms of bovine superoxide dismutase at low pH

1. Holo-superoxide dismutase from bovine erythrocytes has been shown to undergo a reversible structural modification in the pH 3-5 range. 2. The spectral alterations observed on changing from neutrality to pH 2 were: a slight attenuation of the 680 nm absorbance; the loss of the 450 nm shoulder, apparent in the optical spectrum of the native protein; and a new band appeared at 330 nm. The circular dichroism at 600 nm was essentially lost while a weak negative band appeared at approx. 380 nm and a positive band at 310 nm. 3. The EPR spectrum was also modified on changing from the native to the low pH form: A parallel increased from approximately 130 to approximately 150 G, g parallel remained unchanged at approximately 2.27, and gm decreased from approximately 2.09 to approximately 2.08. The apparent linewidth remained essentially constant. 4. High resolution (220 MHz) PMR spectra of holo- and apoproteins revealed that the metals influence the three-dimensional structure of the protein. 5. PMR studies indicated that at pH 3 the apoprotein existed almost entirely in a random coil form and that it assumed a compact well-ordered structure on returning to neutral pH. The holoprotein maintained a compact, apparently dimeric, structure even at pH 3.
Comprehensive study of drain breakdown in MOSFETs

MOSFET breakdown voltage is strongly affected by the measurement conditions and the device layout. C/sub DB/,C/sub GD/,R/sub sub/, and R/sub gate/ must be extracted in order to predict the device trigger voltage under subthreshold, non-dc conditions. Substrate resistance is modeled with a simple, semi-empirical equation.
Music Engineering as a Novel Strategy for Enhancing Music Enjoyment in the Cochlear Implant Recipient

Objective. Enjoyment of music remains an elusive goal following cochlear implantation. We test the hypothesis that reengineering music to reduce its complexity can enhance the listening experience for the cochlear implant (CI) listener. Methods. Normal hearing (NH) adults (N = 16) and CI listeners (N = 9) evaluated a piece of country music on three enjoyment modalities: pleasantness, musicality, and naturalness. Participants listened to the original version along with 20 modified, less complex, versions created by including subsets of the musical instruments from the original song. NH participants listened to the segments both with and without CI simulation processing. Results. Compared to the original song, modified versions containing only 1–3 instruments were less enjoyable to the NH listeners but more enjoyable to the CI listeners and the NH listeners with CI simulation. Excluding vocals and including rhythmic instruments improved enjoyment for NH listeners with CI simulation but made no difference for CI listeners. Conclusions. Reengineering a piece of music to reduce its complexity has the potential to enhance music enjoyment for the cochlear implantee. Thus, in addition to improvements in software and hardware, engineering music specifically for the CI listener may be an alternative means to enhance their listening experience.
On the use of Davidenko's method in complex root search

Davidenko's method has proved to be a powerful technique for solving a system of n-coupled nonlinear algebraic equations. It uses a Newton's method reduction to produce n-coupled first-order differential equations in a dummy variable. The advantage it offers over Newton's method and other traditional methods such as Muller's method is that it relaxes the restrictions that the initial guess has to be very close to the solution. Two examples involving the search for complex roots are presented. Davidenko's method seems to converge to the roots for all the arbitrary initial guesses considered while Muller's method appears to fail for some cases. This suggests the use of Davidenko's method as an alternative to Muller's method when the later fails to converge or is slowly convergent. >
Fate of adriamycin-induced dilated renal pelvis in the fetal rat: functional and morphological effects in the offspring.

Previously we reported that gestational exposure to Adriamycin, an anthracycline antibiotic used in the treatment of neoplasms, reduced renal function in the neonatal rat, and we suggested that alterations in the development of the renal papilla might be responsible for the dysfunction. In this study we exposed groups of Sprague-Dawley rats to 0, 1.0, 1.25, or 1.5 mg/kg of Adriamycin on gestation days 10–12, a period previously shown to be effective in altering postnatal renal function with this compound. Offspring were evaluated at several developmental periods in order to (1) precisely define the morphological status of the urogenital system in Adriamycin-treated offspring; (2) replicate the finding of a decreased renal concentrating ability in the neonates; (3) determine the transience/permanence of any morphological effect; and (4) correlate any permanent alterations in urogenital morphology with our indicator of neonatal functional competence. Maternal Adriamycin treatment induced alterations in the development of the renal papilla that persisted well into the postnatal life of the offspring. The first appearance of the morphological alteration occurred in the absence of other general indicators of developmental toxicity such as growth retardation. The determination of the ultimate fate and functional consequences of the structural alterations required postnatal evaluations of the renal system. Finally, a relatively simple test of renal function in the neonate proved to be predictive of the permanence of the morphological effect, and the absolute test result showed a strong correlation with the incidence of the morphological effect in the overall population.
Redundant reader elimination in RFID systems

While recent technological advances have motivated large-scale deployment of RFID systems, a number of critical design issues remain unresolved. In this paper we deal with de- tecting redundant RFID readers (the redundant reader problem). The underlying difficulty associated with this problem arises from the lack of collision detection mechanisms, the potential inability of RFID readers to relay packets generated by other readers, and severe resource constraints on RFID tags. We prove that an optimal solution to the redundant reader problem is NP-hard and propose a randomized, distributed, and localized approximation algorithm, RRE. We provide a detailed probabilistic analysis of the accuracy and time complexity of RRE and conduct elaborate simulations to demonstrate their correctness and efficiency. I. INTRODUCTION
Optimizing the photo-EMF response for high-speed compensation and broadband laser-based ultrasonic remote sensing

We present results from a parametric study on the performance of photo-emf sensors made from GaAs and GaAs:Cr utilizing different electrode processing and geometries for the detector elements. In order to improve the device performance and ease of manufacturing we produced and tested sensors constructed in a compact hybrid design.
Working memory and inhibitory control among manic and euthymic patients with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a severe psychiatric illness that is characterized by episodes of extreme mood states. The affective components of bipolar disorder have been studied extensively, but only recently have investigators begun to systematically examine its cognitive concomitants. Although executive dysfunction has been reported in this population, especially while patients are manic, the tasks administered in many previous studies have made it difficult to determine the specific executive abilities that were compromised. The present study examined 15 patients with bipolar disorder who were manic, 18 who were euthymic, and 18 healthy participants. Tests were selected to evaluate two specific aspects of executive functioning in these participants. The Object Alternation Task was given as a measure of inhibitory control, and the Delayed Response Task was included as a measure of spatial delayed working memory. All groups performed similarly on the Delayed Response Task. On the Object Alternation Task, however, the manic and euthymic patients committed significantly more perseverative errors than healthy participants. These results indicated that patients in the present sample had relatively normal working memory abilities, but had a deficit in behavioral self-regulation, which was evident across mood states. ( JINS , 2005, 11 , 163–172.) Location of work: Center for Bipolar Disorders Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Structure, organization and regulation of a rat cysteine proteinase inhibitor-encoding gene.

Abstract During postnatal development, submandibular glands of rats produce the secrretory protein, cystatin S (CysS), which belongs to family 2 of the mammalian cysteine proteinase inhibitor superfamily. While the rat CysS gene is not expressed in the salivary glands of adult rats, it can be induced by isoproterenol (IPR), which acts via β-adrenergic receptor/adenylate cyclase/cyclic AMP (cAMP) mechanisms In addition, IPR-induction of CysS mRNA in submandibular glands is more pronounced in females than in males, at both prepuberal and mature ages. These results suggest that sex hormones may participate in the regulation of the rat CysS gene via estrogen-responsive elements ( ERE ), and IPR induction of this gene supports the hypothesis that cAMP-responsive elements ( CRE ) may also play a role in regulating CysS gene expression. We have isolated, sequenced and characterized the complete gene. The CysS gene contains three exons interrupted by two intervening sequences, with consensus splice junctions. The transcription start point is 73 nucleotides upstream from the start codon which is suurrounded by a typical Kozak sequence. CCAAT and TATA boxes are present in the 5′-flanking region of the CysS gene. This region also contains several possible regulatory elements that resemble those of other eukaryotic genes, i.e. ERE, CRE , and glucocorticoid-responsive elements. The first intron sequence contains other potential CRE highly homologous to those found in the IPR-inducible mouse and hamster proline-rich-protein-encoding genes.
Does Executive Intuition Matter? An Empirical Analysis of Its Relationship With Nonprofit Organization Financial Performance:

This study tests the relationship between a chief executive’s intuitive decision style and financial measures of nonprofit organization performance. Providing additional support for earlier theories that emphasized top managers’ ability to influence change in their organizations, executive intuition was found to be significantly associated with three of the six financial performance outcomes examined in this study. Executive intuition was a significant and positive predictor of both fiscal performance measures and one of two public support measures. Implications and future research ideas are offered.
Product Liability Forecasting for Asbestos-Related Personal Injury Claims

This paper focuses on three aspects of forecasting models for asbestos-related disease/injuries relating to the Manville asbestos case: (1) The structure of forecasting models for asbestos-related personal injuries. (2) The epidemiologic evidence supporting the selected model structure and the constraints on the modeling assumptions imposed by that evidence. (3) The range of uncertainty associated with projections based on these forecasting models and issues relating to decision making under uncertainty.
Surface simplification and Edgebreaker compression for 2D cell animations

Digitized cell animations are typically composed of frames, which contain a small number of regions, which each contain pixels of the same color and exhibit a significant level of shape coherence through time. To exploit this coherence, we treat the stack of frames as a 3D volume and represent the evolution of each region by the bounding surface of the 3D volume V that it sweeps out. To reduce transmission costs, we triangulate and simplify the bounding surface and then encode it using the Edgebreaker compression scheme. To restore a close approximation of the original animation, the client player decompresses the surface and produces the successive frames by intersecting V with constant-time planes. The intersection is generated in real-time with standard graphics hardware through an improved capping (i.e. solid clipping) technique, which correctly handles overlapping facets. We have tested this approach on real and synthetic black and white animations and report compression ratios that improve upon those produced using the MPEG, MRLE, and GZIP compression standards for an equivalent quality result.
Spatial attributes and reserve design models: A review

A variety of decision models have been formulated for the optimal selection of nature reserve sites to represent a diversity of species or other conservation features. Unfortunately, many of these models tend to select scattered sites and do not take into account important spatial attributes such as reserve shape and connectivity. These attributes are likely to affect not only the persistence of species but also the general ecological functioning of reserves and the ability to effectively manage them. In response, researchers have begun formulating reserve design models that improve spatial coherence by controlling spatial attributes. We review the spatial attributes that are thought to be important in reserve design and also review reserve design models that incorporate one or more of these attributes. Spatial modeling issues, computational issues, and the trade-offs among competing optimization objectives are discussed. Directions for future research are identified. Ultimately, an argument is made for the development of models that capture the dynamic interdependencies among sites and species populations and thus incorporate the reasons why spatial attributes are important.
Frog Labyrinthine Efferent Impulses

Efferent impulses were recorded from the free ends of nerves detached from the ampullae, sacculus, utriculus, and lagena in the leopard frog (Rana pipiens). These impulses were found to be initiated by stimulation of any ampulla or a variety of unidentified extralabyrinthine proprioceptors. None were evoked in response to stimulation of the auditory or otolith organs. There was no spontaneous resting activity in the efferent fibers. Surgical difficulties have so far prevented adequate study of possible efferent input to the pars basilaris and pars neglecta.
Regulation of herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase gene expression by thyroid hormone receptor in cultured neuronal cells.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) undergoes acute infection in epithelial cells followed by establishment of latency in the neurons of trigeminal ganglia. The latent virus maintains a dormant state and can recurs spontaneously, suggesting transcriptional silencing and reactivation occur in neurons. Computer data mining identified a nuclear hormone response element (NRE), the binding site for the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) or other nuclear hormone receptor, in the promoter of HSV-1 thymidine kinase (TK). TRs are transcription factors whose activity is dependent on their ligand thyroid hormone (T3; triiodothyronine). We hypothesize that TR and T3 exert regulation on HSV-1 gene expression in neurons. A neuroblastoma cell line expressing the TR isoform b (N2aTRb) was utilized for in vitro investigation. Results showed that liganded TR repressed TK promoter activity but unliganded TR relieved the inhibition. The mutagenesis study demonstrated that one nucleotide mutation at the NRE abolished the T3/TR-mediated regulation. N2aTRb cells treated with T3 were suppressive to TK expression and virus release but the removal of T3 de-repressed TK expression and increased virus release, confirmed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and plaque assays, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that TRs were enriched at TK NRE in the presence of T3. Additional results demonstrated that hyper acetylated histone H4 and monomethylated H3 modified at lysine 9 (H3K9me1) were enriched at transcriptionally active TK promoters but were dissociated from the NRE by T3/TR. These results suggest that T3 could regulate HSV-1 gene expression through its receptor via histone modification in cultured neuronal cells. Journal of NeuroVirology (2010) 16, 13–24.
A programmable FIR digital filter using CSD coefficients

An area-efficient programmable FIR digital filter using canonic signed-digit (CSD) coefficients was implemented that uses a switchable unit-delay to allocate the desired number of nonzero CSD coefficient digits to each filter tap. The prototype chip can allocate up to 16 pairs of nonzero CSD coefficient digits for a linear-phase filter, thus realizing filters with 32 linear-phase taps operating at 180 MHz with two nonzero CSD digits per filter tap. Additional nonzero CSD digits can be allocated to filter taps at the penalty of a reduced filter length and a reduced data-rate. The chip was implemented with 16-bit I/O in a die size of 5.9 mm by 3.4 mm using 1.0-/spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Inverse bounds for microstructural parameters of composite media derived from complex permittivity measurements

Abstract Bounds on the volume fraction of the constituents in a two-component mixture are derived from measurements of the effective complex permittivity of the mixture, using the analyticity of the effective property. First-order inverse bounds for general anisotropic materials, as well as second-order bounds for isotropic mixtures, are obtained. By exploiting an analytic representation of the effective complex permittivity, the problem of estimating the structural parameters is reduced to a problem of evaluating the moments and support of a measure containing information about the geometrical structure of the material. Rigorous bounds on the volume fraction are found by inverting first- and second-order (Hashin–Shtrikman) forward bounds on the complex permittivity. The inverse bounds are applied to measurements of the effective complex permittivity of sea ice, which is a three-component mixture of ice, brine and air. The sea ice is treated via the two-component theory applied to a mixture of brine and a...
An Evolutionary Approach to Group Decision Making

We propose modeling Group Support System (GSS) search tasks with Genetic Algorithms. Using explicit mathematical models for Genetic Algorithms (GAs), we show how to estimate the underlying GA parameters from an observed GSS solution path. Once these parameters are estimated, they may be related to GSS variables such as group composition and membership, leadership presence, the specific GSS tools available, incentive structure, and organizational culture. The estimated Genetic Algorithm parameters can be used with the mathematical models for GAs to compute or simulate expected GSS process out comes.
Identifying the role of individual user messages in an online discussion and its use in thread retrieval

Online discussion forums have become a popular medium for users to discuss with and seek information from other users having similar interests. A typical discussion thread consists of a sequence of posts posted by multiple users. Each post in a thread serves a different purpose providing different types of information and, thus, may not be equally useful for all applications. Identifying the purpose and nature of each post in a discussion thread is thus an interesting research problem as it can help in improving information extraction and intelligent assistance techniques. We study the problem of classifying a given post as per its purpose in the discussion thread and employ features based on the post's content, structure of the thread, behavior of the participating users, and sentiment analysis of the post's content. We evaluate our approach on two forum data sets belonging to different genres and achieve strong classification performance. We also analyze the relative importance of different features used for the post classification task. Next, as a use case, we describe how the post class information can help in thread retrieval by incorporating this information in a state-of-the-art thread retrieval model.
Management of complicated parapneumonic effusions

Pneumonia remains one of the most common infections in both the community and the hospital (1), and it is associated with a 36 to 57% incidence of pleural effusions (2-4), resulting in an estimated one million people a year in the United States developing parapneumonic effusions. Parapneumonic effusions (pleural fluids associated with pneumonia) may be uncomplicated, free-flowing effusions that resolve spontaneously with antibiotic therapy, or complicated effusions that require pleural space drainage for resolution of pleural sepsis (2, 5-8). The natural course of a complicated parapneumonic effusion is to develop a single loculus or multiple loculations and to progress to an empyema cavity. Empyema, from the Greek meaning accumulation of pus in a body cavity, represents the end stage of a complicated parapneumonic effusion. The best analytical approach to diagnosis and the optimal modality of treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusions are controversial because of the lack of prospective, randomized trials. Furthermore, the value of early pleural fluid markers to predict the transformation of uncomplicated to complicated parapneumonic effusions is still disputed (2, 5, 6, 8-10). The availability of new options for management of complicated parapneumonic effusions further confounds clinical decision making. The heterogeneous responses from a recent American College of Chest Physicians interactive session on pleural space infections was confirmatory (11).
Opioid Dependence Treatment, Including Buprenorphine/Naloxone

OBJECTIVE:To review opioid dependence (OD) and its treatment. Pharmacologic treatments, including the use of buprenorphine/naloxone, are presented. Pharmaceutical care functions for outpatient OD treatment are discussed.DATA SOURCES:Primary and review articles were identified by MEDLINE and HEALTHSTAR searches (from 1966 to November 2000) and through secondary sources. Tertiary sources were also reviewed regarding general concepts of OD and its treatment.STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION:Relevant articles were reviewed after identification from published abstracts. Articles were selected based on the objectives for this article. Studies of the treatment of OD with buprenorphine were selected based on the topic (pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, adverse reactions) and study design (randomized, controlled clinical trials in patients with OD with active/placebo comparisons and/or comparisons of active OD treatments). Articles regarding pharmacists' activities in the treatment and prevention of OD were reviewed f...
AEROBIC FLUIDIZED BED REACTOR WITH INTERNAL MEDIA CLEANING

An aerobic fluidized bed reactor process with internal media cleaning to control attached biomass thickness was developed. Biomass control was achieved by the periodic creation of a turbulent zone within a specially designed cylindrical screened region surrounding the effluent port. A screen washer aided in keeping the cylindrical screen clean. A bed lifter produced turbulence throughout the bed to allow individual media particles to enter the cleaning zone for the removal of excess biofilm. The reactor system operated continuously without excessive biomass buildup on the support media and without the need for external media cleaning or recovery. Four analytical methods—systematic scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses, granular activated carbon drained density, phospholipid analyses, and fluorescein diacetate activity (FDA) measurements —were modified/developed for use in characterizing the microbial population attached to the media of the fluidized bed. The SEM analyses was valuable for monitoring changes and cleaning cycle caused to the biofilm. Phospholipid and FDA analyses were found to have potential for use as design and monitoring tools of the process.
Percutaneous thrombin injection of splanchnic artery aneurysms: two case reports.

JVIR 2000; 11:469–472 THE diagnosis and management of splanchnic artery aneurysms is difficult. The first reported splanchnic artery aneurysm was discovered while Beaussier was injecting a cadaver for anatomic demonstration in 1770 (1). Since then, more than 3,000 cases of splanchnic artery aneurysms have been documented in the literature. However, the incidence of such aneurysms is not known. Although rare, these lesions are clinically important. Nearly 22% of all splanchnic artery aneurysms present as clinical emergencies. Of these, 8.5% result in death (2). The majority of aneurysms (63%) are symptomatic at the time of presentation and 23.9% present with rupture (3). The treatment of choice of splanchnic artery aneurysms classically has been operative ligation or resection. With the advancement of interventional radiology, percutaneous transcatheter embolization has been effective (4). Unfortunately, not all aneurysms can be successfully cannulated with these catheters (4). In 1986, Cope and Zeit described the successful treatment of pseudoaneurysms of the peripheral arteries by direct percutaneous injection of thrombin (5). In 1989, Rothbarth et al reported a case in which they successfully treated a large intraparenchymal hepatic artery aneurysm by percutaneously injecting thrombin after embolization with coils had failed (6). The purpose of this article is to describe the use of percutaneous thrombin injection for the treatment of ruptured aneurysms involving branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Two patients presented to our institution with symptoms related to rupture of splanchnic artery aneurysms.