cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factory automation and integration of business functions

Abstract This paper is based on data collected from 269 manufacturing organizations. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of the degree of integration of business functions on the benefits accrued from the implementation of factory automation (FA) technologies. The results indicate that highly integrated organizations tend to realize more of the strategic benefits of FA compared to organizations that are not as integrated.
Responsiveness to a Prospective Student E-Mail Inquiry by Community Colleges in the Nine Mega-States

This quantitative study investigated e-mail responsiveness by community colleges in the nine mega-states to an inquiry from a prospective student. Noel-Levitz (2006b) reported that prospective students want to receive an e-mail with information about an institution prior to applying for admission. Specifically, high school juniors and seniors want to have a two-way conversation with an institutional representative during their college search (Noel-Levitz, 2006a, 2007a, 2007b, 2008). Research also indicates that community colleges are not as likely as four-year institutions to use web-based communication with prospective students (Noel-Levitz, 2008; Peakow, 2006). Half of the community colleges in this study replied to an e-mail inquiry from a prospective student within five business days, just over 30% of community colleges responded with individualized responses, and a number of institutions utilized automated software that did not address the prospective student's questions. Community colleges must ackn...
Immunosuppressive properties of the lymphocyte chalone.

EXPERIMENTAL evidence indicates that a number of cells are mitotically controlled by specific and endogenous negative feedback inhibitors of mitosis called “chalones”1–3. Moor-head et al.4 were the first to apply this concept of a negative feedback inhibitor of mitosis to the lymphocyte system. They demonstrated that extracts of pig lymph node contained material which would inhibit the transformation of PHA-stimulated human lymphocytes in culture and the in vitro mitotic activity of lymphocytes derived from patients with lymphocytic leukaemia5. These observations have been confirmed and extended6–9. Because of the importance of lymphocyte transformation to the phenomenon of graft rejection, Garcia-Giralt et al.10 and Kiger et al.11–13 demonstrated that extracts of lymphoid tissue could partially inhibit both graft-versus-host and allograft rejection in mice. Here we describe the concentration and partial purification of lymphocyte chalone and its application to immunosuppression in both in vitro model systems and in vivo studies of mouse skin allograft rejection.
Palladium-catalyzed or -promoted reductive carbon−carbon coupling. Effects of phosphines and carbon ligands

Abstract The reaction of Cl2Pd(PEt3)2 with 2 equiv of (E)-t-BuCHCHLi, t-BuCCLi, or MeLi gives the corresponding R12Pd(PEt3)2 in a nearly quantitative yield without producing R1R1, where R1 = (E)-t-BuCHCH, t-BuCC, or Me. The reaction of PhLi or PhZnCl gives Ph2Pd(PEt3)2 and biphenyl in approximately 90 and 10% yields, respectively. On the other hand, the corresponding reaction of Cl2Pd(PPh3)2 produces R1R1 in > 95% yield within 1 h in each case. Attempts to detect R12Pd(PPh3)2 have failed. Their formation as unstable intermediates may be inferred from those cases where PEt3, PPhMe2, and PPh2Me are used. The ease of formation of R1R1 is inversely proportional to the basicity of PR3, i.e., PEt3
The Political Economy of International Trade : Enduring Puzzles and an Agenda for Inquiry

A similar set of concepts has been central to the literatures on the formation of trade policy coalitions and the “new economics of institutions”: the political and economic consequences of the degree to which assets are specific to a particular economic activity. In this survey, the authors take the necessary first step of summarizing the main findings of these two literatures and then suggest ways in which the issue might be joined. In addition to providing a more coherent understanding of the findings of these two literatures and some new directions for them, the authors show that many puzzles remain in the field of trade politics—puzzles for which there are no appealing answers or, where there are answers, no strong evidence in support of them. This essay, then, in addition to being a theoretical review of the literature, puts forward an agenda for future study of international trade politics.
Tactile discriminatory ability and foraging strategies in Kangaroo rats and pocket mice (Rodentia: Heteromyidae).

A comparative study of seasonal food hoarding activity and tactile discriminatory ability in four species of heteromyid rodents (Dipodomys panamintinus, D. merriami, Perognathus longimembris, and P. formosus) was conducted in laboratory test arenas. Animals were tested individually to determine their treatment of seed (white millet) and seed mimics (glass beads and gravel) offered as food. In general, all animals showed low levels of millet hoarding activity during winter months with higher levels in fall and spring. Observations revealed that all species manipulated (with the forepaws) each potential food item prior to eating, pouching, or rejecting it. These tactile cues appear to surpass visual and olfactory cues as critical factors in distinguishing between food and food mimics. Pocket mice (Perognathus) showed high levels of tactile discriminatory ability which may serve as the mechanism by which they achieve high foraging efficiency in nature when “filter-feeding” for widely dispersed seed resources. Kangaroo rats (Dipodomys), on the other hand, are less adept at distinguishing between food and very similar non-food items. The fact that, in nature, kangaroo rats depend heavily on clumped food resources may obviate the need for highly efficient tactile discriminatory abilities.
Antibodies and resistance to natural HIV infection.

The unprecedented spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) throughout the world has made the development of an effective AIDS vaccine one of the most urgent challenges facing biomedical sci...
THE RELATIVE REACTION WITHIN LIVING MAMMALIAN TISSUES : XIII. THE REACTION PREVAILING DURING THE AUTOLYSIS IN VIVO OF SMALL TISSUE MASSES.

By a variety of methods necrosis of individual cells was produced in the living animal. Cell death was found to be clearly perceptible by means of the changes in the color of segregated erythrolitmin at a time when it was not as yet recognizable by ordinary histological methods. The hue of the dye pointed to an alteration in the direction of alkalinity; but the extent of this could not be determined owing to the limited range of the indicator Cartilage damaged by freezing in situ becomes alkaline, its reaction now approximating that of the blood. The findings support the view that within the body the autolysis of individual cells and of small tissue masses may take place under the circumstances of a slight alkalinity.
Reflections from a senior scholar: creating and sustaining a MIS advisory board

MIS Advisory Boards are a useful way for connecting with the business community. They can provide curriculum advice, assess the importance of emerging trends, provide speakers for classes, provide scholarships for students, participate in research studies, and promote the MIS program. The issues that arise when creating and sustaining a Board include how to get started, whether to have students on the Board, how much to charge for membership dues, how to sustain Board membership, how to make Board meetings interesting, how much work to expect from Board members, and how much to provide in scholarships. Experiences at the University of Georgia are described.
Preparation and characterization of amorphous and crystalline LaNi5 thin film electrodes

Abstract Amorphous and polycrystalline LaNi5 thin films have been fabricated by electron beam evaporation in ultrahigh vacuum. Their structure and composition were examined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The reversible hydrogen storage capacity of these films has been studied electrochemically in 6 M KOH. The charge/discharge rate was ∓ 0.42 mA cm−2 (10 A g−1) for 600 A-thick amorphous films and ∓ 0.25 mA cm−2 (2 A g−1) for 2500 A-thick crystalline films. The maximum discharge capacity of the amorphous films is about 160 mA h g−1 (LaNi5H2.6). They can be subjected to at least 500 cycles before the discharge capacity decreases to half of the maximum value. Polycrystalline films can also be cycled 500 times without decreasing the discharge capacity (160 mA h g−1, LaNi5H2.6) if they are charged to LaNi5H3. When they are fully charged, their maximum discharge capacity becomes 250 mA h g−1 (LaNi5H4), which is greater than that of the amorphous films. However, polycrystalline films peel off the substrate when the film is thicker than 2500 A. A plateau has been observed in the potential vs. discharge time curve for the crystalline LaNi5 films as thin as 600 A. There is no plateau for the amorphous films. The plateau, observed during the first several charge/discharge cycles of the 600 A-thick crystalline film, disappeared after further cycling. This observation indicates a possible phase transformation from crystalline to amorphous. This study is aimed at correlating microstructure with hydrogen storage capability of metal hydride thin films.
Cognitive-behavioral prevention of depression in adolescents

Major depression in adolescents is common but often untreated, underscoring the need for effective prevention. Several prevention programs have been developed, with cognitive-behavioral (CB) interventions having the largest evidence base. Meta-analyses reports find small magnitude effects for depressive symptom reductions at post-intervention and follow-up, with larger effects for selective/indicated than universal programs. More encouraging, long-term studies suggest that depressive disorder rates are approximately 40% lower for CB programs compared to controls. Needed research includes improving the existing programs that work well, developing a more sophisticated understanding of why CB prevention works, identifying subgroups who most benefit from CB, continuing the transition to effectiveness research, developing effective depression prevention programs for college-aged young people, and a broader evaluation of CB-based computerized prevention efforts.
Three-dimensional Translational Dynamics and Stability of Multi-legged Runners

The spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) is a simple, passively-elastic two-degree-of-freedom model for legged locomotion that describes the center-of-mass dynamics of many animal species and some legged robots. Conventionally, SLIP models employ a single support leg during stance and, while they can exhibit stable steady gaits when motions are confined to the sagittal plane, three-dimensional gaits are unstable to lateral toppling. In this paper it is shown that multiple stance legs can confer stability. Three SLIP-inspired models are studied: a passive bipedal kangaroo-hopper, an actuated insect model, and passive and actuated versions of a hexapedal robot model. The latter models both employ tripod stance phases. The sources of lateral stability are identified and, for the passive systems, analytical estimates of critical parameters are provided. Throughout, rotations are ignored and only center-of-mass translational dynamics are considered.
Chromatographic evidence that the AAA-coding isoacceptor of lysine tRNA primes DNA synthesis in murine mammary tumor virus.

Most of the tRNA encapsulated within the murine mammary tumor virus is tRNA/sup LYS/. The reversed-phase chromatographic pattern of tRNA/sup LYS/ isoacceptors in the viral free tRNA and in the 70 S-associated tRNA that is released at 65/sup 0/ is similar to the pattern in virus-producing cells. However, the more tightly bound 70 S-associated tRNA/sup LYS/ is significantly enriched in the AAA-coding isoacceptor. This isoacceptor, but not the AAG-coding one, primes MuMTV 35 S RNA-directed DNA synthesis in vitro.
The impact of workplace screening on the occurrence of cumulative trauma disorders and workers' compensation claims.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain, commonly referred to more specifically as musculoskeletal disorders or cumulative trauma disorders, has continued to occur despite efforts by employers, employees, health care providers, and the government to eradicate it. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has encouraged employers to establish ergonomic prevention programs, however, many employers are concerned that screening, education, and focused attention on workplace pain will cause an increase in the number of OSHA 200 events and the incidence of workers' compensation claims. This prospective cohort study demonstrated that there was no increase in the number of OSHA 200 events and no increase in the incidence of workers' compensation claims after completion of an individual risk screening program that included education and employee awareness about work-related musculoskeletal pain. Incidence of cumulative trauma disorders has been most effectively reduced by use of individual risk-screening programs. Therefore, employers should be encouraged to develop and implement prevention programs that include individual risk screening.
Coarsening-upward cycles in the alluvium of Hornelen Basin (Devonian), Norway: Sedimentary response to tectonic events: Discussion and reply

No Abstract Available. The article discussed was published in the Bulletin , v. 88, p. 1124–1134.
Body Size Mediated Coexistence in Swans

Differences in body sizes may create a trade-off between foraging efficiency (foraging gains/costs) and access to resources. Such a trade-off provides a potential mechanism for ecologically similar species to coexist on one resource. We explored this hypothesis for tundra (Cygnus columbianus) and trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), a federally protected species, feeding solely on sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata) tubers during fall staging and wintering in northern Utah. Foraging efficiency was higher for tundra swans because this species experienced lower foraging and metabolic costs relative to foraging gains; however, trumpeter swans (a) had longer necks and therefore had access to exclusive resources buried deep in wetland sediments and (b) were more aggressive and could therefore displace tundra swans from lucrative foraging locations. We conclude that body size differentiation is an important feature of coexistence among ecologically similar species feeding on one resource. In situations where resources are limiting and competition for resources is strong, conservation managers will need to consider the trade-off between foraging efficiency and access to resources to ensure ecologically similar species can coexist on a shared resource.
Interstitial Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic autoimmune disease in the United States, affecting 1% to 2% of the adult population. Although joints and synovium are the primary targets in this disorder, extra-articular manifestations involving the lungs can lead to significant morbidity and excess mortality. Among the various pulmonary complications that occur in RA, interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most damaging, with effects ranging from subclinical inflammation/scarring to end-stage pulmonary fibrosis. New insights during the past several years have underscored the epidemiologic impact of clinically/functionally significant RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) and have begun to identify factors contributing to the pathogenesis of this potentially devastating complication of RA. Despite these advancements, the complexity of RA-ILD and the lack of reliable predictors for disease progression highlight the need for improved biomarker development. Establishing such detailed molecular signatures will ultimately guide the application and timing of therapeutic agents that include immunomodulators as well as newly studied antifibrotic agents.
Adding decision-making capability to robots

This paper will be a discussion on making robots more autonomous. This type of research in the past has not only involved space related applications but also motion devices on Earth such as automobiles and aircraft. This work will mainly involve mobile robots but also stationary ones as well.
HBIg Discontinuation with Maintenance Oral Anti-viral Therapy and HBV Vaccination in Liver Transplant Recipients

Background Hepatitis B (HBV) is an uncommon indication for liver transplantation in the US accounting for approximately 5% of cases. Recurrence prophylaxis is typically long-term hepatitis B immune-globulin (HBIg) and an oral anti-HBV agent. Because of high HBIg costs and improving efficacy of new oral agents, there is increasing interest in HBIg discontinuation.
IMPLEMENTING WELFARE REFORM IN MICHIGAN: THE ROLE OF STREET-LEVEL BUREAUCRATS[1]

ABSTRACT This study examines the implementation of welfare reform policies enacted by the state of Michigan. In particular, it focuses on how welfare policy is altered as it devolves from state policy makers to street-level bureaucrats in three local welfare agencies in Michigan. The analysis reveals that street-level bureaucrats in local welfare offices are in a position to interpret broadly stated goals handed down from officials, and, in some cases, to manage and greatly influence the delivery of services when messages are mixed. The study also suggests that the actual policies or services delivered by front-line workers in welfare offices do not completely correspond with the policy directives issued by state officials.
Quality-of-service measurement in wireless networks

Wireless LANs, CDPD, and microcellular data networks are fast becoming the preferred method of access to the Internet. Wireless links supporting end-user mobility, however, exhibit several characteristics that are different from traditional wired networks. These include: dynamically changing bandwidth due to mobile host movement in and out of cells where bandwidth is shared, high rates of packet corruption and subsequent loss, and frequent and lengthy disconnections due to obstacles, fading, and movement between cells. In addition, these effects are short-lived and difficult to reproduce, leading to a need for adequate measurement and analysis tools and for feedback utilities to allow the mobile user to respond to changes in wireless link quality. In this paper, we discuss the design and implementation of a wireless channel meter, the subsequent testing on a real wireless network, and a study of mobile user behavior. A GUI interface makes statistics tracking bandwidth usage, error rate, and length of disconnections easily available to the user. We then conducted tests of audioconferencing application performance and file download time under light and heavy wireless network load. The effects of the various levels of quality of service on application performance were rated by mobile users. The users were then supplied with channel meter readings and asked to indicate whether they would make movements to attempt to improve their wireless link performance. Scenarios under which the users responded to this input are described and possible applications are suggested.
Therapeutic Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With Systemic Sclerosis and Raynaud Phenomenon

Therapeutic hypothermia favorably impacts neurologic outcomes in patients after cardiopulmonary arrest, although the appropriate target temperature is less clear. Its safety profile in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Raynaud phenomenon (RP), who may be at increased risk for ischemic complications, has not been addressed in the literature, to our knowledge. Digital lesions are commonly seen in patients with SSc, and cold-induced myocardial ischemia has also been reported. We describe a case of a man with SSc, RP, and digital ulcers who underwent therapeutic hypothermia after cardiopulmonary arrest. He regained full neurologic function, and except for digital necrosis, no hypothermia-associated adverse events were observed. Other risk factors for ischemia, such as cocaine use, may have contributed to the development of the digital necrosis. However, clinicians should be aware of the risk for ischemic complications in patients with SSc and RP when considering the appropriate target temperature after cardiopulmonary arrest.
Alternative splicing and structure of the human erythroid dematin gene.

Abstract Human erythroid dematin is a cytoskeletal protein capable of bundling actin filaments in vitro. The carboxyl terminal domain of dematin is homologous to the headpiece domain of villin, an actin-binding protein of the brush border cytoskeleton. Here we report the complete structure of the dematin gene located on human chromosome 8p21.1, a region frequently deleted in prostate cancer. The dematin gene is composed of 15 exons spanning ∼15 kb. We also report two novel isoforms of dematin derived from alternative splicing of the dematin gene in the brain.
Neutrinos and cosmology: A lifetime relationship

We consider the example of neutrino decays to illustrate the profound relation between laboratory neutrino physics and cosmology. Two case studies are presented: In the first one, we show how the high precision cosmic microwave background spectral data collected by the FIRAS instrument on board of COBE, when combined with Lab data, have greatly changed bounds on the radiative neutrino lifetime. In the second case, we speculate on the consequence for neutrino physics of the cosmological detection of neutrino masses even as small as {approx}0.06 eV, the lower limit guaranteed by neutrino oscillation experiments. We show that a detection at that level would improve by many orders of magnitude the existing limits on neutrino lifetime, and as a consequence on some models of neutrino secret interactions.
Optimum Time and Temperature for Stress Relief Heat Treatment of Stainless Steel Wire

With the use of springback and recovery as dependent variables, the effects of time and temperature of stress relief heat treatment of stainless steel wire were studied. Stainless steel springs exposed to a stress relief heat treatment of 750 F for 11 minutes appear to have significantly improved spring properties.
Deterministic replay of Java multithreaded applications

A multithreaded program includes sequences of events wherein each sequence is associated with one of a plurality of execution threads. In a record mode, the software tool of the present invention records a run-time representation of the program by distinguishing critical events from non-critical events of the program and identifying the execution order of such critical events. Groups of critical events are generated wherein, for each group G i , critical events belonging to the group G i belong to a common execution thread, critical events belonging to the group G i are consecutive, and only non-critical events occur between any two consecutive critical events in the group G i . In addition, the groups are ordered and no two adjacent groups include critical events that belong to a common execution thread. For each execution thread, a logical thread schedule is generated that identifies a sequence of said groups associated with the execution thread. The logical thread schedules are stored in persistent storage for subsequent reuse. In a replay mode, for each execution thread, the logical thread schedule associated with the execution thread is loaded from persistent storage and the critical events identified by the logical thread schedule are executed.
Wirtschaftspolitischer Handlungsspielraum im Zeitalter der Globalisierung. Eine empirische Untersuchung am Beispiel von Währungskrisen

In diesem Artikel wird die weit verbreitete Ansicht untersucht, dass Wahrungskrisen geradezu beispielhaft den durch die Globalisierung geschwundenen Handlungsspielraum der nationalen Politik symbolisieren. Wir zeigen, dass Regierungen trotz spekulativen Drucks durchaus verschiedene Handlungsoptionen haben. Ob sich Regierungen dem Druck der Finanzmarkte beugen oder nicht, ist dabei nicht nur eine Frage der okonomischen Rahmenbedingungen, sondern auch eine Frage politischer Erwagungen. Politische Interessen, Institutionen und Ereignisse beeinflussen den Ausgang einer Wahrungskrise signifikant. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Politik auch in stark internationalisierten Politikbereichen, wie der Geld-und Wahrungspolitik, eine nicht unbedeutende kurzfristige Handlungsautonomie hat.
Wall independency and effect of initial shear-layer thickness in separated flow and heat transfer

Abstract Theoretical results are presented concerning the flow and heat transfer in laminar flow past a backstep. Computations are carried out using the stream function-vorticity forms of the elliptic partial differential equations. The effects of step size and initial boundary-layer thickness are discussed, and calculated temperature profiles and local Stanton numbers are compared with recently reported experimental data. It is shown that the size of the initial boundary layer can have opposing effects on the reattachment distance, depending on whether the Reynolds number is held constant. The influence on the average heat transfer of the flow and thermal structures in the reversed flow region is assessed by comparing the numerical solutions with the solutions for the wall-independent shear layer.
Anion effects on Donnan failure of aminated-poly(vinyl chloride)-based and neutral-carrier-based pH sensors

Abstract Aminated poly(vinyl chloride)s (PVCs) and neutral carriers can produce nearly ideal pH sensors. However, they can show Donnan exclusion failure in low pH bathing solutions. These pH-sensitive PVC membranes illustrate a new dimension, not found for other mobile neutral-carrier-based sensors, i.e., Donnan failure produces fixed positive sites that create a nearly ideal anion sensor. The modification of Donnan theory is derived and illustrated using carrier-based and aminated-PVC-based sensors.
Wind-tunnel wall interference studies at high subsonic speeds.

With the introduction of the ventilated test section in wind tunnels for high-speed subsonic and transonic testing, new procedures have been sought to extend the classical wall interference methods for correcting model test data. Because of the complex nature of the interferences, a satisfactory general analytical solution to the interference problem for ventilated walls is yet to be achieved. In this program, a solid-wall test section and several ventilated test section configurations were used to investigate experimentally and evaluate the wall interference on four force models. The model force data generated in the so lid-wall test section were corrected by the application of classical theoretical wall corrections and used as a basepoint for evaluating the data obtained in the ventilated test sections. One of the force models used has been tested in the NASA/Langley Research Center 8-ft transonic pressure tunnel, and substantial data were available for comparison purposes with data generated in the North American Rockwell Corporation Trisonic wind tunnel. The result of this program was the development of a porous-slot test section having a wall porosity of 5.7%. This test section design produces a wall interference-free environment for moderately sized models up to 1% blockage with wing span to test section width ratios as large as 0.71.
Droplet-based microfluidic platforms for single T cell secretion analysis of IL-10 cytokine

Here we present a microfluidic method for the analysis of single cell secretions. The method co-encapsulates cells with microspheres conjugated with capture antibodies and detection fluorescence-labeled antibodies. The secreted substance captured on the microsphere surface and detected via detection antibodies generating a localized fluorescent signal on a microsphere surface. Using this method, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells were encapsulated and assayed to detect IL-10 secreting cell in population.
CHROMOSOME INSTABILITY IN THE SYNDROME OF TRIPHALANGY OF THUMBS, ONYCHODYSTROPHY, DEAFNESS, SEIZURES AND MENTAL RETARDATION

Triphalangy of thumbs associated with onychodstrophy, deafness, seizures and mental retardation is a rare autosomal recessive disease. We have observed high frequency of chromosomal breaks in lymphocyte cultures from two affected children and their phen-otypically normal mother. Blood samples were obtained simultaneously from all individuals on three separate occasions. Cultures were established and harvested by standard procedures. The slides were stained with giemsa and 50 cells were examined in detail from each culture. The only abnormality detected was a high frequency (P<<.0001) of chromatid and isochromatid breaks in both patients (0.24 and 0.22 breaks/cell, respectively) compared to that in 50 laboratory controls (0.02 breaks/cell). The frequency of breaks in the mother (0.08 breaks/cell), nearly one-third of that in her children, was still higher (P=.0001) than that in the controls.
In-vitro Characterization of an L-Kynurenine-Responsive Transcription Regulator of the Oxidative Tryptophan Degradation Pathway in Burkholderia xenovorans

To study the transcriptional regulation of oxidative tryptophan degradation in Burkholderia , we used comparative genomics that focused on the operon containing the genes annotated as kynA , kynU and kynB . In all sequenced Beta-proteobacteria to-date, including Burkholderia , Ralstonia , Collimonas , and Cupriavidus species, there is a conserved AsnC/Lrp family transcriptional regulator (TR) gene located upstream and in the opposite strand of the operon encoding for the oxidative tryptophan degradation genes. In Burkholderia xenovorans the TR is Bxe_A0736. GST-Bxe_A0736 binds L-kynurenine with greater affinity and specificity than any other amino acid or tryptophan degradation product with a dissociation constant of ~82 ± 11 ?M. DNase I footprinting suggested that Bxe_A0736 protects a set of four degenerate, palindromic sequences within the intergenic region between Bxe_A0735 ( kynB ) and Bxe_A0736. The optimal consensus sequence obtained by analysis for these sites, ATATTCCGAATAT, closely resembles the sequence obtained with a protein binding microarray. Under our fluorescence anisotropy experimental conditions, 1 mM L-kynurenine increased the affinity of Bxe_A0736 for a portion of its promoter region. Our results are consistent with Bxe_A0736 acting as the TR that promotes the transcription of the oxidative tryptophan degradation genes in the presence of L-kynurenine while inhibiting the transcription of its own gene.
Role of Protein Kinases in Neuropeptide Gene Regulation by PACAP in Chromaffin Cells

: Pituitary adenylate cyclase—activating polypeptide (PACAP) is an adrenomedullary cotransmitter that along with acetylcholine is responsible for driving catecholamine and neuropeptide biosynthesis and secretion from chromaffin cells in response to stimulation of the splanchnic nerve. Two neuropeptides whose biosynthesis is regulated by PACAP include enkephalin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Occupancy of PAC1 PACAP receptors on chromaffin cells can result in elevation of cyclic AMP, inositol phosphates, and intracellular calcium. The proenkephalin A and VIP genes are transcriptionally responsive to signals generated within all three pathways, and potentially by combinatorial activation of these pathways as well. The characteristics of PACAP regulation of enkephalin and VIP biosynthesis were examined pharmacologically for evidence of involvement of several serine/threonine protein kinases activated by cAMP, IP3, and/or calcium, including calmodulin kinase II, protein kinase A, and protein kinase C. Evidence is presented for the differential involvement of these protein kinases in regulation of enkephalin and VIP biosynthesis in chromaffin cells, and for a prominent role of the mixed-function (tyrosine and serine/threonine) MAP kinase family in mediating transcriptional activation of neuropeptide genes by PACAP.
The metabolism of nucleotides and other phosphate esters in erythrocytes during in vitro incubation at 37

Abstract Anion exchange chromatography of organic phosphates has been utilized to study the changes in human red cells during in vitro incubation at 37 °C. The changes in the three adenine nucleotides, inosine monophosphate, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate were particularly noteworthy. The significance of these changes in relation to erythrocyte metabolism has been discussed.
Oversight and Management of a Cell Therapy Clinical Trial Network: Experience and Lessons Learned

The Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network (CCTRN), sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), was established to develop, coordinate, and conduct multiple collaborative protocols testing the effects of cell therapy on cardiovascular diseases. The Network was born into a difficult political and ethical climate created by the recent removal of a dozen drugs from the US formulary and the temporary halting of 27 gene therapy trials due to safety concerns. This article describes the Network's challenges as it initiated three protocols in a polarized cultural atmosphere at a time when oversight bodies were positioning themselves for the tightest vigilance of promising new therapies. Effective strategies involving ongoing education, open communication, and relationship building with the oversight community are discussed.
Two-step phase changes in cubic relaxor ferroelectrics

The field-driven conversion between the zero-field-cooled frozen relaxor state and a ferroelectric state of several cubic relaxors is found to occur in at least two distinct steps, after a period of creep, as a function of time. The relaxation of this state back to a relaxor state under warming in zero field also occurs via two or more sharp steps, in contrast to a one-step relaxation of the ferroelectric state formed by field cooling. An intermediate state can be trapped by interrupting the polarization. Giant pyroelectric noise appears in some of the non-equilibrium regimes. It is suggested that two coupled types of order, one ferroelectric and the other glassy, may be required to account for these data.
Processing and delivery of peptides presented by MHC class I molecules.

Abstract Effective MHC class I peptide loading requires the proteolytic degradation of cytosolic proteins and the TAP-mediated translocation of peptides across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. The proteasome is emerging as the main cytosolic protease generating class I binding peptides. The recent elucidation of the proteasome crystal structure, together with the use of functional inhibitors, has enhanced our understanding of proteasome function. Genetic analysis of a novel mutant cell line emphasizes the importance of the TAP—class I interaction in the assembly of mature class I heterotrimers, and suggests that additional MHC-encoded components are required.
Enhanced acquisition of cocaine self-administration in adult rats with neonatal isolation stress experience

Abstract That stress enhances the behavioral effects of cocaine is well-documented in adult rats, but whether early life stress endures into adulthood to affect responsivity to cocaine is less clear. We now report that neonatal isolation stress (1 h per day isolation on postnatal days 2–9) enhances acquisition of cocaine self-administration in adult rats. This effect was specific to cocaine and not due to learning or performance differences. Neither acquisition of operant responding for food nor locomotor activity differed between groups. These results have important implications for the role of early childhood stress in vulnerability to cocaine addiction.
A brief office-based intervention to facilitate diabetes dietary self-management

There is a pressing need for brief, practical interventions that address diabetes management. We have developed an office-based intervention to prompt both patients and providers to focus on behavioral issues relevant to dietary self-management that is being evaluated in a randomized trial. The intervention is designed to be broadly applicable to the majority of adult diabetes outpatients during medical visits; uses touchscreen computer assessment to provide immediate feedback on key issues to patients and providers just prior to their interaction; and provides goal setting and problem-solving assistance to patients following their meeting with the physician. Follow-up components include phone calls and videotape or interactive video instruction as needed. The program is described, and demographic and behavioral characteristics of participants are presented for the first 95 patients randomized. Initial process results suggest success in producing modest, targeted behavior changes among a broad cross-section of patients. If the long-term results are equally positive, this intervention could provide a prototype for a feasible, cost-effective way to integrate patient views and behavioral management into office-based care for diabetes.
An adaptive grid method for Navier-Stokes flow computation

A study has been conducted to investigate the adaptive grid method, based on the concept of equidistribution, applied to Navier-Stokes flow computations. It is demonstrated that due to the fundamental differences between the structure of the pressure field and the velocity field, an adaptive grid strategy that employs multiple one-dimensional grid adjustment procedures using different weighting functions for different directions is useful. A consistency check is devised to evaluate the a posteriori error of a given numerical solution. Two different flow configurations with Reynolds number 500 have been calculated on several grid systems with different nodal points as well as different distributions. It is shown that, as a result of this adaptive grid method, the numerical accuracy obtained with given number of nodal points can be improved. It is demonstrated that (without attempting simultaneously to extremize several measures in the whole flow domain), the present multiple one-dimensional adaptive grid method enables one to concentrate the grids more easily in the regions needed. This method should prove useful for many Navier-Stokes flow calculations.
On the Design of a Passive Orthosis to Gravity Balance Human Legs

This paper presents the design of a passive two leg orthosis to gravity balance human legs for use by subjects with both leg impairment. This design combines the use of auxiliary parallelograms to locate the center of mass along with springs to achieve balancing of each leg. The gravity balancing for all motions of the leg and pelvis is achieved by assuming the center of mass of the pelvis to be located on the line joining the two hip joints. A method for deriving the effectiveness of the gravity balancing due to practical limitations is also outlined. We illustrate the gravity balancing feature of the orthosis and examine the assumptions through computer simulations.
Interaction of triiodide anion with gangliosides in aqueous iodine.

Abstract Molecular iodine interacts with the anionic, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipid, ganglioside, to produce triiodide anion. The “triiodide” spectrum arising from the interaction, with absorption maxima at 287 nm and 351 nm, apparently is identical with that given by sodium iodide-iodine solutions, and it is destroyed by addition of sodium thiosulfate. The interaction has been applied to an estimation of the aggregative properties of the lipid in aqueous medium in terms of the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The following CMC's were determined: Tay-Sachs ganglioside, 7.5 × 10−5 M; monosialoganglioside, 8.5 × 10−5 M; disialoganglioside, 9.5 × 10−5 M; trisialoganglioside, 1 × 10−4 M. Absorption maxima of the triiodide spectrum are the same above or below the CMC, and no change is induced by heating to 65°C. The interaction of iodine and gangliosides produces a greater molecular ratio of triiodide ion relative to ganglioside below the CMC than above. This finding is interpreted to indicate a less anionically shielded submicellar, as compared with micellar, interior for ganglioside aggregates. The lack of dependence of the triiodide absorption maxima on the degree of aggregation of ganglioside molecules is proposed to stem from a cavitation structure for the associated molecules in which the micellar interior is subject to considerable water penetration. Triiodide anion is clearly associated with ganglioside aggregates as evidenced by coprecipitation of the triiodide anion with ganglioside micelles upon ultracentrifugation.
SHARKS AND TUNAS: FISHERIES IMPACTS ON PREDATORS WITH CONTRASTING LIFE HISTORIES

Large-scale pelagic fisheries exploit a diversity of apex predators with a wide range of life history strategies. Exploitation of species with different life history strategies has different population and food web consequences. We explored the changes in predation that result from exploitation of a common species with a slow growth and low fecundity life history strategy (blue shark, Prionace glauca) with those that result from exploitation of a common species with fast growth and high fecundity (yellowfin tuna, Thunnus alba- cares) in the central Pacific Ocean. Longline fisheries directed toward billfishes and tunas also capture blue sharks as incidental catch. Mortality rates of sharks had been relatively low prior to the recent surge in finning that has resulted in a substantial rise in mortality of adult and subadult sharks in the last decade. We estimated the magnitude of changes in predation by populations of yellowfin tuna and blue sharks in response to longline fisheries that involve shark finning. Bioenergetics models for sharks and tunas were coupled to simple population models that account for changes in size-structure in response to fishery- induced mortality regimes in order to estimate predation responses to changes in fishing intensities. Our analyses demonstrate that blue shark populations are very sensitive to low exploitation rates, while yellowfin tuna populations are extremely robust across a wide range of exploitation rates by longline fisheries. Although predation rates by yellowfin tuna are 4-5 times higher than by blue sharks, longline fisheries have substantially greater effects on shark predation than on yellowfin tuna predation at the food web scale. Expected food web responses will be strongest where the unexploited biomass of long-lived species is high and predation is relatively specialized compared with other apex predators. Our anal- yses suggest that active management to reduce finning mortality in sharks will play an important role toward minimizing the effects of longline fisheries on the food web structure of the pelagic Pacific Ocean.
Wireless Packet Scheduling With Soft Deadlines

We address the problem of scheduling multiple traffic streams associated with target profiles on a shared wireless link, arising in real-time applications with soft/flexible deadline constraints (e.g. multimedia streaming). A target profile specifies the inter-packet deadline constraints for a user's traffic stream, or equivalently, the time instants at which the user should ideally receive packets to ensure uninterrupted multimedia playout. Contention for the shared link and fluctuations in wireless channel quality prevent users from being served in accordance with their desired target profiles. The goal of the scheduler is to dynamically schedule users to ensure that their target profiles are adhered to as closely as possible. We formulate the scheduling problem in a dynamic programming (DP) framework. Leveraging key structural properties of the optimal control to the DP, we propose our heuristic MinProj scheduling policy. We experimentally demonstrate the efficacy of MinProj over benchmark schedulers. The computational complexity of MinProj grows only linearly with the number of users in the system. Further, MinProj is agnostic to statistical assumptions on input traffic or channel behavior. These features make MinProj an attractive policy to implement in real wireless systems.
Characterization of amorphous zinc tin oxide semiconductors

Amorphous zinc tin oxide (ZTO) was investigated to determine the effect of deposition and postannealing conditions on film structure, composition, surface contamination, and thin-film transistor (TFT) performance. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the ZTO films remain amorphous even after annealing to 600 °C. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry indicated that the bulk Zn:Sn ratio of the sputter-deposited films were slightly tin rich compared to the composition of the ceramic sputter target. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that residual surface contamination depended strongly on the sample postannealing conditions where water, carbonate, and hydroxyl species were adsorbed to the surface. Electrical characterization of ZTO TFTs indicated that the best devices had mobilities of 17 cm2/Vs, threshold voltages of −1.5 V, subthreshold slopes of 0.9 V/dec, turn-on voltages of −12 V, and on-to-off ratio of >107. Annealing ZTO in vacuum assisted in the removal of adsorbed species, which may reduce defects in the films and improve device performance.
A Computational Model of Prefrontal Cortex Function

Accumulating data from neurophysiology and neuropsychology have suggested two information processing roles for prefrontal cortex (PFC): 1) short-term active memory; and 2) inhibition. We present a new behavioral task and a computational model which were developed in parallel. The task was developed to probe both of these prefrontal functions simultaneously, and produces a rich set of behavioral data that act as constraints on the model. The model is implemented in continuous-time, thus providing a natural framework in which to study the temporal dynamics of processing in the task. We show how the model can be used to examine the behavioral consequences of neuromodulation in PFC. Specifically, we use the model to make novel and testable predictions regarding the behavioral performance of schizophrenics, who are hypothesized to suffer from reduced dopaminergic tone in this brain area.
Are There “Healthy” and “Unhealthy” Reasons for Exercise? Examining Individual Differences in Exercise Motivations Using the Function of Exercise Scale

This study reports the psychometric development of a measure to assess individual differences in exercise motivations using a functionalist strategy (Snyder & Cantor, 1997). Factor analyses revealed two subscales for the newly developed Function of Exercise Scale (FES): Weight and Appearance (WA), and Health and Enjoyment (HE). FES-HE scores correlated with better psychological well-being and predicted prospectively monitored as well as concurrently and longitudinally assessed exercise behavior. FES-HE scores also correlated with lower pulse, systolic blood pressure, and salivary cortisol readings, indicating its association with better physical health. In contrast, FES-WA scores correlated with greater depressive and eating disorder symptoms, as well as lower self-esteem, and predicted the later emergence of eating disorder, but not depressive, symptoms. FES-WA scores failed to show a relationship with measures of physical well-being, including exercise engagement and vital sign data. Overall, the FES ap...
Determination of the half-wave potential of nobelium

Abstract The half-wave potential of nobelium was experimentally estimated to be −1·6 V vs the standard hydrogen potential for the reaction No 2+ + 2e = No(Hg). A modified radiopolarographic techniuque was used in which the decrease in concentration of nobelium was determined as a function of potential during deposition of nobelium into a Hg-pool electrode. About 500–1000 atoms of cyclotron-produced 255 No 102 were used per experiment.